Graceland Vineyards 1 Items

Bradgate Cobblers Hill Graceland Jardin Mas Nicolas Radford Dale Topaz Vinum Africa About Us Awards & Acclaim John Platter Wine Guide News / Events Downloads Wine Region Paul and Sue McNaughton purchased Graceland, a 18 hectare farm on the slopes of the Helderberg in 1990. A 'red only' route has been pursued following the soil, climate and slope parameters of the property. 4 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5 hectares of Merlot and 3.5 hectares of Shiraz have been planted. Two single varietals (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) were launched for the 1998 maiden vintage, with the Shiraz and flagship blend to follow later. Since Graceland is a small family operation, the whole family has played a role: Sue has been the driving force as viticulturist; Paul has attended to the finances and administration and everyone, even the children, have lent a hand in the cellar. The vintage is quick (if not painless) due to Vino the dalmatian’s penchant for encouraging pickers by nipping at their heels. Martin Meinert was the consulting winemaker for the 1998 and 1999 vintages, followed by Kiwi transplant Rod Easthope, who has made the following two vintages. Graceland’s situation against the slopes of the Helderberg in proven red wine territory together with diligent viticultural practices has combined to produce wines worthy of your attention. To compliment the winery’s ideal location in the middle of Stellenbosch’s famed golden mile of top-quality vineyards, a friend suggested developing the theme of the three graces, which was brought to life by designer Mark Ransome. He used Baron Jean Baptiste Regnault's famous painting of the tastefully entertwined “Three Graces” from the Louvre to design the neck label. The underlying story comes from Greek mythology, featuring the three voluptuous daughters of Jupiter: Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia. Legend has it that they were the physical embodiments of Beauty, Joy and Charm, which now symbolizes the essential characteristics of Graceland wine.