Cloof
The Afrikaans word kloof has a similar origin to the English word cleft, in the sense that it refers to the gap (or gorge) between to slopes. Our version is spelt with a ‘C’ , in the old-fashioned Dutch way. The Cloof logo symbolises the contours of a ploughed hillside. Cloof’s red wines are rich and concentrated. This style of wine is suitable for drinking with a wide variety of cuisines. The wines are ‘big’ enough to stand up to typical Asian ingredients, like soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chilli. Vineyards are mostly bush vines and have won gold medals on numerous international wine shows.
CELLAR
Our cellar is a modern wine cellar, and was built in 1998. We have a capacity of 1000 Tons, which amounts to approximately 72 000 cases per year. We produce 88% red wines and 12% white wines. The cellar has been enlarged and new tanks installed over time, this is to cope with the increased production volumes. We have two barrel maturation cellars with a total of 650 barrels, French Oak only.
TERRIOR
An hour’s drive from Cape Town, the district is host to significant vineyard plantings influenced by nautical conditions from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the first district to be awarded full membership of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative. Vineyards yield fruit of huge intensity and flavour resulting in award-winning wines that have taken the international and local wine scene by storm.
Darling is the heartbeat of the West Coast region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Here you can still expect to see a horseman cantering through the streets on a Saturday afternoon. A gaggle of geese might waddle into a neighbour’s garden to forage. You may witness a funeral procession accompanied by the consolatory gospel sounds of a traditional brass band. Lovingly restored Victorian homes and ancient trees make an idyllic setting for a getaway that promises serenity, nature, culture and much more!
Darling is known as the flower of the West Coast, and the abundance of flora and natural flowers is undoubtedly its biggest asset.
Warm, friendly and hospitable cellars offer complimentary tastings of excellent value wines which, together with a creative and dynamic tourism offering, in a peaceful and charming rural environment, prompts the invitation: come see for yourself why it’s called Darling!
