Almenkerk Wine Estate: A Cool-Climate Jewel in the Elgin Valley
Almenkerk’s 15-hectare vineyard thrives in Elgin’s cool-climate embrace, 300–500 meters above sea level, where Atlantic breezes and misty mornings shape grapes with vibrant acidity and minerality. The soils—shale, clay, and sandstone—mirror Burgundy, ideal for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while red varietals like Merlot and Syrah flourish on warmer slopes. Joris, with viticulturist Michael Keown, uses cutting-edge technology—drones, infrared cameras, and electromagnetic soil scans—to optimize planting and pruning, ensuring low yields (6–8 tons/ha) for concentrated fruit.