In 1989 Neil Ellis took a calculated leap of faith into the wine-negociant arena, buying and vinifying grapes from chosen vineyards and marketing these hand-reared wines under his own label. Mindful that exceptional terroir and assiduous vineyard cultivation form the bedrock of great wine, Neil forged long-term supply-partnerships with top grape-growers in premium areas.
Today the same philosophy - sourcing superior grape-varieties from low-yielding, hand-picked vineyard lots in the capes top terroirs - remains the mainstay of Neil Ellis Wines world-class range.
Neil Ellis Wines differs from most South African wineries in that instead of owning vineyards they have focused on producing the best wine possible and sourcing the grapes from top quality growers.
Recognizing that different grape varieties thrive under different soil and climate conditions which are not likely to be found on a single estate, from their company's start their philosophy has been to locate those areas that produce a distinctive grape quality and work closely with quality-minded growers in those areas. Today their grapes come from three main vineyard sites: Oude Nektar Farm in Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch; Contreberg Farm in Groenekloof, Darling; the Whitehall farm in Elgin.
Vineyard Selection Range These limited-release wines demonstrate the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and represent our finest quality. From their treatment in the vineyard, through winemaking and maturation, they are hand-crafted and lavished with care.
Premium Range Grapes from three top terroirs, Stellenbosch, Elgin and Groenekloof, are sourced for these premium-quality varietal wines. The emphasis is on complexity and potential for development married with attractive fruit flavours showing true varietal character.
