Beaumont

The historic farm Compagnes Drift in Bot River was once an outpost for the Dutch East India Company in the 1700’s and is now a family-run farm producing a small range of quality wines. A mere hour from Cape Town, en route to Hermanus, the farm is set on the eastern slopes of the Houw Hoek Mountains and falling within the Walker Bay ward, it enjoys the influence of a cool maritime microclimate.

Raoul & Jayne Beaumont started revitalizing the old wine cellar in 1993 and produced 3 excellent vintages of top quality Pinotage. Their goal was to go back to the earth with new vineyards planted on specially selected sites and slopes to complement the older established vineyards.

Sebastian Beaumont came on board in 1999 as a viticulturist / assistant winemaker and is now the winemaker. Daughter Ariane, jewellery designer and namesake for a wine, is involved in the marketing.

To accompany the highly rated Pinotage and Chenin Blanc the range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz and a classic red blend called Ariane. Beaumont’s focus on Chenin Blanc as a historically neglected classic varietal is an exciting and daring move towards proving the versatility and ability of this cultivar to make complex and excellent wines. Small parcels of Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Malbec & Semillon have been planted on specially selected sites for blending purposes to enhance the complexity of the wines.