CHARLA Haasbroek
SIJNN is the original Khoisan name for the Breede River. Sijnn Wines is a pioneering vineyard and winery in the small village of Malgas on the South African South Coast. Founded in 2003 by David Trafford, renowned Stellenbosch winemaker, and now managed by young winemaker, Charla Bosman, with a small dedicated team. This remote location was chosen for its extreme rocky soils, perfectly suited to the Mediterranean varietals planted, all as bush vines. The complex stony soils, comprising pudding stones over fractured shale, together with a warm dry climate (350mm) moderated by the constant sea breezes, encourages the vines to produce tiny yields of concentrated fruit with a fresh, complex mineral character. The focus is on top quality Mediterranean varieties: Syrah, Mourvedre, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira as well as Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne for the White blend. Future plantings include Tempranillo, Nebbiolo and Grenache.Their premium wines are made using traditional minimal intervention methods to showcase the character of the site.
A visit to this amazing farm is well worth the 40km dirt road journey. They offer wine tastings and delicious vintner platters. The area boasts great land based whale watching, birding, mountain biking and a number of water sports on the tidal river.
"May each glass of Sijnn wine express the magic of our stony soils and the stark beauty of Malgas. May each sip remind you of the majestic view over the winding river and the bush vines enjoying the sea breeze." - David Trafford
A visit to this amazing farm is well worth the 40km dirt road journey. They offer wine tastings and delicious vintner platters. The area boasts great land based whale watching, birding, mountain biking and a number of water sports on the tidal river.
"May each glass of Sijnn wine express the magic of our stony soils and the stark beauty of Malgas. May each sip remind you of the majestic view over the winding river and the bush vines enjoying the sea breeze." - David Trafford