ABOUT
Nova Zonnestraal itself dates back to the 1700’s when it formed part of Alphen Estate. Today, the 17-hectare farm concentrates on the growing of grapes and olives, alongside its top equestrian yard.
THE VINEYARDS
It is said that Sauvignon Blanc vines should be able to see the ocean. With this in mind, the vineyards at Nova Zonnestraal were planted with a good view of Cape Hangklip from the western slope and False Bay from the eastern.
With the Cape’s temperate climate and the valley’s perfect positioning between mountain and sea, the Constantia Valley enjoys a long reputation for producing some of the world’s finest wines. On February 2nd 1659 Jan van Riebeeck, the First Commander of the Cape of Good Hope, wrote in his diary: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” In 1680 the Cape’s first Governor, Simon Van der Stel, planted 100,000 vines in the Constantia Valley, and by 1761, Constantia red and white wine was being exported. By 1778 Groot Constantia wines were acclaimed throughout Europe.
Originally the farm grew Hanepoort table grapes, but in 2002 a decision was taken to plant wine grapes. Initially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc were planted. The wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grapes was soon sold out and it was decided to focus our energies and endeavours on this wine.
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines were replaced by new Sauvignon Blanc vines, along with some Semillon which is intended for a premium Constantia White blend.
THE OLIVES
A runway became an olive grove. The space available on the farm, freigning the vineyards, allowed for the planting of only 1500 trees, so olive production was never going to be a major part of Nova Zonnestraal’s farming activities. A selection of Mission, Coratine, Frantoio and Leccino trees were planted, which have allowed for the production of a fine blend of Extra Virgin Oil. The olives are pressed by Hillcrest in Durbanville and blended on the farm.
THE HORSES
Nova Zonnestraal is regarded as one of the top showjumping yards in the Western Cape for the past 20 years.
Georgina Ratcliffe (daughter of Lynn Rowand, owner of Nova Zonnestraal) and Johan Lotter are sponsored by Nova Zonnestraal, and both compete at top level nationally.
