2016 Judges Best White: Longridge Chardonnay
Longridge leverages its elevated location on the slopes of the Helderberg, with the airy tasting room and restaurant maximising the views of Stellenbosch and a distant Table Mountain, while the craggy mountain peaks tower behind the winery.
2015 was the first year the winery was officially certified organic so cellarmaster and viticulturist Jasper Raats who patiently oversaw the three-year conversion process will be particularly pleased that the maiden organic Chardonnay performed so well for the judges.
In front of the winery there are raised beds of vegetables, all organically grown, mulched with compost from a heap that’s not 20m away. Even the Nguni cattle which are allowed to graze on the cover crop between the vines in winter make a contribution to soil vitality, fertilisation and recycling here!
Weekdays and weekends sees cyclists pounding the pedals and testing their mettle on the trails through the Helderberg vineyards.
Strawberry picking is popular in season at Mooiberge farmstall. Just across the road the Root 44 market is held on Saturdays and Sundays between 10h00 and 16h00. A popular addition to the market is the Saturday morning 5km trail run attracting hundreds of runners and walkers every week.
Wine tastings & sales Mon – Sat 10h00 to 17h00.
Cellar tours by appt. Closed Good Fri, Dec 25 & Jan 1.