Chamonix

Chamonix Wine Farm is nestled against Mont Rochelle mountain, deep within the rich wine-growing valley of Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Formerly part of historic La Cotte granted to the Huguenots in 1688, Chamonix today comprises some 300 hectares. German-born Chris Hellinger purchased the farm in the early nineties when it was predominantly an export fruit farm. With tenacity and vigor a replanting program began, steadily replanting fruit ...

As purists we have always believed that to produce a wine of true character, it is essential that nature be the primary winemaker. Our farm is blessed with cool breezes during the hot summer months and stony, clay-rich soil, giving our wines their unique personality and style. A philosophy of minimal intervention and environmentally conscious farming methods are just some of our secret ingredients.

All our fruit is hand-selected, and we follow traditional methods such as making use of spontaneous fermentation and no acidification. Organic compost and mulch are ploughed back into the soil, while our use of green-harvesting (low yields per hectare) ensures that our vineyards are not over-produced. Our philosophy of working hand-in-hand with nature to create unique wines and spirits carries through into the cellar, where our small, hands-on...