Iona Vineyards

The Elgin valley had a busy weekend with the Open Gardens, so I don’t expect my experience at Iona the past Saturday to be representative of their tasting experience in general. They were third on our list of farms to visit, and the quality of the experience did not quite match up to what we experienced at other Elgin farms.

Their tasting room is still very new and quite sparse, but I like the idea of having one long table, where different tasting groups all sit together and discuss the wines. The wines left a bit to be desired, though. Their Sauvignon Blanc was very good, but I’ve come to expect that from Elgin Sauvignons and Iona’s does not exactly stand out among the competition. The Chardonnay was quite heavy (not really my style), and reeked of sulfur, which was a bit worrying. The reds were good, but nothing special. It’s also a pity their Syrah was not available for tasting. In their defense, they are currently on their fourth winemaker in five years, so it must be difficult to maintain consistent quality.

I was very disappointed to be charged a R20 tasting fee, the only farm in the area I’ve ever had to pay.

Truth be told, I reckon they are right up there with the very best in SA. Had personal attention from owner Andrew Gunn, who, with his calm demeanor, makes you understand what their wine is all about. Well worth the off the beaten path drive. The place is awesome.

Canot decide what is more spectacular: the wines, the farm, the views or the soft-spoken Scottish Viking himself, Andrew Gunn.

Wonderfull tasting with the wine maker. Very informative and greate knowledge off his wines and area. One of the best Chardonays well balanced and the wood very suttle. Do try to get your hands on this. There Savy is also excelant but need one or two years that again prove that white wines can age and dont need to be drunk in the year of vintage.

This farm is a class act. Stunning Sauvignon Blanc, superb Chardonnay, lovely Bordeaux red blend. Well worth the drive.

I would be able to stay here for longer than only a wine-tasting. Absolutely stunning estate! Thank you John for a very informative tasting, I really enjoyed it and the wines are all excellent!

The winemaker – Mr Gunn – is a wise old man, really enjoyed speaking to him and he has done a fantastic job converting the estate from an apple farm. Sauvignon Blanc was beautiful, crisp and well balanced. Definitely worth the trip, I’ll go back…

Ons ry vanaf Kleinmond via die skilderagtige grondpad deur die Kogelberg Biosfeer, na die Elgin Vallei. Ons gewaar vanaf die pad die skouspelagtige opstal en herehuis van Iona, die Gunn’s se wynplaas wat meesterlike witwyne skep. Let wel nie maak nie, want die witwyne is inderdaad kunswerke. Ek het Andrew Gunn laat 2009 by die Sauvignon-fees by die Vineyard Hotel raakgeloop – blykbaar is Iona se tuine heruitgelê en lyk dit te pragtig daar. Sien uit daarna, om as ek weer in daardie kontrei is, die uitsonderlike plaas weer te besoek.

Lonely farm somewhere in elgin. The sauvignon blanc is fantastic as well as all the other wines too bad they are off my price range for now.
Ill be back when i start working

We were welcomed by Timba, a sweetie pie Alsatian, who escorted us to the tasting room where wee met Karen Gabriels. She was friendly and funny and made our tasting experience one to remember.

The wine of this place is exceptional! Great 2008 Chardonnay @ R140 and amazing Petit Verdot @ R130.
As they say, the best “Engeltjie piepie!”

Friendly dogs, friendly host and damn good wine!

Poor old Iona – the only winery in the Kogelberg! It takes determination to find this winery and a long gravel road. But it is only a short detour from the road to Hermanus from Cape Town. Their Sauvignon Blanc is exceptional. The winemaker took us for a tour round the vineyard. Being the sad agricultural person, I was very interested in how he grew the vines. Also interested in the Scottish name – as I hail from there. Great hour or so spent here