The Farm

The Farm
Darling Cellars is situated on the cool west coast of South Africa on the R315 between Malmesbury and Darling, approximately 1 hour’s drive from Cape Town and 15 kms from the coast line.

1996 heralded a new era for the region of Darling with the establishment of the private cellar: Darling Cellars (Pty) Limited. With its unique terroir and the demarcation of the area as Wine of Origin Darling in 2003, the focus is on producing wines that are region and varietal true. Some 20 shareholders produce grapes from a total of ±1300ha, averaging 6 to 8 tons per hectare.

The cool and temperate West Coast climate lends itself to a variety of different micro- and meso-climates which, along with the different soil types, lead to unique grapes which we guide into even more unique wines. With approximately 95% of all our vineyards being unirrigated (dry land) and roughly the same percentage being bush vines (i.e.not trellised), this is as close as one can get to what nature intended for grapes to be. These varying factors result in wines that are true to the terroir from which they come and are true to the identity which we have crafted over time for our wines. Investment continues in the winery and cellar with some of the most modern and up to date winemaking equipment in our industry today. A modern bottling line, new presses, a barrel maturation cellar, a new grape off-loading system and continuing replanting of vineyards, to include noble cultivars, all contribute to our advances in contemporary winemaking.

Wine Ranges:

Amphora
The San people were the indigenous tribe that first walked the hills of Darling. Hannuwa is the San (Bushman) word suggesting the gathering of good fortune through living in sustainable harmony with nature. This wine is made in an Amphora clay pot taking winemaking back to its roots. Unfiltered and unrefined, this is as true to nature as can be.

Old Bush Vine Range
Darling Cellars Old Bush Vine comes from specific old bush vines which are selected for their uniqueness in prominent terroir flavours. These vineyards are planted in the best terroir for the specific varietal. Vineyards are carefully monitored by the winemaker who ultimately decides when the grapes will be harvested. These grapes are handled separately in the cellar to preserve their natural quality and uniqueness.

The Heritage Collection:
The four different wines in this range pay tribute to the heritage of the little town of Darling:

  • Sir Charles Darling
    Bordeaux Blend: Borrowing its name from the Governor of the Cape Colony who also lent his name to the town of Darling, this Bordeaux blend pays homage to a great proponent of human rights. The maiden vintage was a blend of 4 of the traditional red Bordeaux varietals.
  • Lady Ann Darling
    This wine is named after Lady Ann Darling, the wife of Sir Charles Henry Darling, governor of the Cape Colony in 1851 after which the picturesque town of Darling was named. We pay tribute to the ‘often forgotten woman-behind-the-man’.
  • The Old Grain Silo
    The region of Darling has been synonymous with the production of grain since the earliest settlers some 300 years ago. Nowadays vineyards are planted alongside golden wheat fields and whilst the grapes from these vineyards are bringing in the accolades, the old silos which still dot the landscape remind us of our farming heritage. A blend of Shiraz and Pinotage, this wine distinctly reflects Darling’s diversity and pays tribute to that heritage.
  • Lime Kilns
    White Blend: A stunning blend of old vine Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay, barrel fermented and barrel matured to add complexity and structure and a whole mouth full of wine. Lime Kilns were built in years gone by to burn sea shells to form lime which the farmers used on their lands.

Cap Classique
Made in the traditional way by fermenting the wine in the bottle, Darling Cellars produces a Blanc de Blanc, Brut Rosé and Demi Sec and an Old Bush Vines Brut.

Darling Cellars Gustus range
Our Gustus range comes from site specific vineyards which are selected for their uniqueness in prominent terroir flavours. These vineyards are planted in the best terroir for the specific varietal. Vineyards are carefully monitored by our viticulturist and cellar-master who ultimately decide when the grapes will be harvested. These grapes are handled separately in the cellar to preserve their natural quality and uniqueness. After harvest, the grapes are evaluated both before vinification and after fermentation. Regular evaluation of the wine also takes place to ensure that only the best wine is ultimately bottled under the GUSTUS label.

Winemakers Selection:
We have created some standalone premium wines to showcase the diversity of Darling Cellars and the Darling region. All so unique, we could not find a place for them in our core ranges. Wines to come look for.

Darling Cellars Reserve range
The core of what Darling Cellars is about. Varietal wines which are fruity, accessible and an excellent value offering that can’t be beaten. These are wines to be enjoyed at a social occasion with friends, while at the same time having enough complexity to suit any dinner table or fine dining event. The grapes for this range come from vineyards in the Darling Hills and surrounding foothills. The individual wines comprising the Darling Cellars Reserve range are produced from a selection of grapes which display bouquets of some key characteristics of the unique terroir, are varietal true, fruit driven and over deliver on quality with every sip. Wood ageing is judiciously used on the red wines in the range, giving subtle complexity to support the soft tannins and rich fruit prevalent in the wines.

DC Classic range
A fun and easy drinking, quaffing wine range for all those occasions where you want to entertain and have a brilliant time. Light a fire, invite a few friends, open a couple of bottles of wine and you’re set to have a wonderful evening. Grapes selected for their fruit and ripeness make this a range which fulfils the need for an uncomplicated, easily accessible wine fit for a student and professor alike. Fresh, vibrant, clean and fruity!

Wild Flower range:
The little town of Darling is the entrance to the flower portal of the West Coast.We decided to create a special Wildflower label for drinks that do not have a spot in our core wine ranges. A Muscadel, Cape Ruby, Jeripigo and Sparkling Grape Juice found their spot in this range.

DC De-Alcoholised Range:
This is a range of low-calory and vegan-friendly, de-alcoholised wines that is different from other ‘wine alternatives’, such as alcohol-free wine or light wine in that it starts out as wine produced as any other ‘normal’ wine, and then the alcohol is extracted by using clever technology that preserves the wine-origins best. Low alcohol wine should still reflect the grape, the vineyard and the terroir.

2L Bag in Box
Four different award-winning wines in a new format: A slimline 2L BiB (Bag in Box)! These attractive looking slimline boxes fit easily into the fridge door, keep the wine fresher for longer and can go where glass can’t! The air-tight seal between the tap and bag means that wine in a box can be stored for weeks once opened without the taste being affected whereas wine from a bottle should ideally be consumed within a matter of hours or days.


Values, Ideas and Look & Feel

Creating an identity stretches further than just a brand and logo. It encompasses a certain look and feel about the cellar, the wine, label and bottle, the attitude of the people and the presentation of all these factors. An integrated strategy is thus followed from grapes to wine.

Passion is essential for this whole concept to work and is a trait to be found in all involved at Darling Cellars. The idea behind the wines is to offer a quality-price ratio that is unequalled in the South African trade, an offering which speaks of class and complexity and one of sincere enjoyment. This all is sought, while staying true to the unique terroir of the West Coast, Darling district and varietal characteristics.

Our Cellar Master summarises it well with: “What nature gives us each year; we try and get into the bottle with passion and honour…”

 

Connect with us:

 +27.224922276        +27.864651130        info@darlingcellars.co.za
Mamre Station, R315, Darling 7345, South Africa

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