The visitor that arrives for the first time in Cape Town’s vineyards is impressed by the beauty of the place with its abrupt and imposing moun- tains that dominate the vineyard; all this located a few kilometres from the Atlantic.

One of the South African vineyard’s characteristics, as all Southern hemisphere’s viticultural countries, is to enjoy a very sunny climate thanks to a southern latitude of 32º, tempered by the cold waters coming up from Antarctica. The ocean’s temperature seldom exceeds 15ºC to 16ºC in the summer, which creates a strong thermal breeze and a cool climate near the sea with temperatures that increase significantly as one travels inland. Thus grape growing is concentrated on the coastal area that does not exceed 50km in depth. L’Avenir is an estate located in Stellen- bosch, a South African viticultural capital, with a charming small university town, approximately 15 km away from the ocean.

Such location is marked by a moderately warm climate and cool nights, which is very favourable for grape growing.

With the exception of the Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, that has become an emblematic grape variety in the country, all French varietals can be found here. Thus l’Avenir grows Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinotage, which is the dominant grape variety of the estate. Cape Town’s pluviometry is important during winter and allows the build up of water reserves that are used for drip irrigation if the summer becomes too dry but it is not an obligation, as the soil of l’Avenir contains sufficient deep clay to obtain the necessary water for the vine’s development.

The quality of viticulture is, for all vineyards, a subject of high importance; the quality of the future wine depends on the quality of the harvested grapes, and therefore for the viticulture. Moderate productivity, full maturity of the grapes, but not excessive allow production of balanced wines.

White wines are fermented and matured in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature, except for Chardonnay, which is lightly oaked, the reds are generally matured in barrel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage are suited for an intense oaking that gives them complexity and elegance.
Chenin and Pinotage are the two most popular wines of this estate, they have received many awards.
L’Avenir produces elegant and generous wines with very classical characters.

History of the Domain