OUR ESTATE
“Our goal is to produce world-class wines in a natural way, applying the age-old traditions of natural winemaking and respecting our land, by not using any herbicides, pesticides or chemical sprays.”
Jasper Raats
Cellar Master & General Manager
INDUSTRY LEADER
Wine farming is a centuries-old industry that has long been tied to the land, the climate, and the seasons. However, as the world faces the challenges of climate change and a growing demand for sustainable practices, Longridge Wine Estate has turned to renewable energy sources like solar energy to significantly reduce their carbon footprint , increase sustainability, and improve resilience.
At Longridge Wine Estate we are proud to be leading the way in sustainable wine farming by utilising the power of the sun. Our solar panels help us reduce our carbon footprint, improve our profitability, and operate more efficiently.
Join us in embracing solar energy and other renewable energy sources to create a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
ALL NATURAL
We focus on the varieties that are best suited to our climate and soils; Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc (Steen) have both proven themselves over the years as well as the classic red varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and of course South African Pinotage.
For this we need only grapes and time. In other words, we do not want to make all the various additions modern winemakers use to produce wines quicker and cheaper. Accordingly, we use less sulphur dioxide and no commercial yeast, enzymes, fining agents, stabilizing agents or filtration methods.
“Our philosophy is simple – we want to make enjoyable wines that are healthy to drink and of a world-class standard.”
OUR BIODYNAMIC & ORGANIC PRINCIPLES
SUSTAINABILITY
At Longridge we strive to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Biodynamic viticultural methods are utilised to the fullest in our vineyards; we strive to produce excellent quality wines while minimalising the impact we have on the environment. On the farm, our vines, herbs and vegetables are free from artificial pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers.
Each cultivar is tended to by using only natural methods and no commercial yeasts, enzymes or fining agents. The restaurant also utilizes sustainability to the best of its ability by only using produce grown organically on the farm and locally-sourced produce.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Free-roaming ducks that waddle through the vineyard help control insects and other pests that may harm the vines.
The farm is also home to cattle that wander about freely on the farm and provide manure that is later used as compost on the farm.
Spiritual and ethical practices are greatly considered as we actively participate in biodynamic farming methods. Being biodynamic goes beyond being ecological and environmentally conscious, it’s about sustaining ecosystems and planning for the future.
OUR CELLAR MASTER
WORLD CLASS WINE MAKER
Jasper Raats is the shareholder, cellar master and managing director of Longridge Wine Estate, as well as partner in Vigneron Consulting, an international consulting business. The consultancy shares valuable knowledge to a select group of clients, particularly focusing on organic and biodynamic viticulture and oenology. In fact, it was through this consulting business that his relationship with Longridge first started.
Jasper has established himself as one of the most talented winemakers in South Africa and first gained prominence for wines he created in New Zealand. In 2003, he started working as viticulturist and winemaker at New Zealand’s Clos Henri in the Marlborough region, developing a new vineyard and making wine for French Company, Henri Bourgeois. During this period, he also started Koru Wines, which became one of New Zealand’s top and most expensive wines.
His international experience includes working in Burgundy, Pouilly Fume, Sancerre and in Napa and Sonoma under Pierre Seillan, the genial French creator of Vérité Wines.
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