VINTAGE 2026

The 2025 post harvest (March – May) had less than normal rainfall, but during the winter months we had sufficient rainfall and accumulated enough cold units to allow for an even budbreak in spring. Spring and summer 2025 were abnormally dry, but conditions were favourable for healthy vines and proper berry set during November, which lead to a very good opportunity for our expert team to do crop thinning, leaving only the best bunches.  

Our grapes began veraison about 10 days earlier than normal and ripening was on track for a veryearly 2026 vintage.  This early ripening was a result of the absence of summer rainfall, plus the fact that the night temperatures were slightly higher than normal. Maximum temperatures were quite similar to the long term records.

We had an historic early harvest in January 2026 - about a week before the previous record. Thanks to well calculated supplementary irrigation we were able to guide our grapes to perfect, optimal ripeness! Very welcome rain during first half of February brought a very welcome relief to our vineyards. In some parts of the Cape Winelands there were very heavy rains and floods which caused significant damage, but we were thankfully spared from any damage.

2026 vintage on Normandie Est. 1693, produced fully ripened grapes – perfect for producing our desired fresh, plush & fine wines!  Our yield was 37 hectolitres per hectare on Merlot for rosé.  

gini. 2026 is plush & sexy, complex and fresh showing minerality and a lingering, balanced aftertaste!