Vilafonte Wine

This ground-breaking red wine project is a partnership between a well respected group of 'quality driven' wine specialists from South Africa and the USA. The name Vilafonté derives from the primary soil type of the 100 acre estate whose character forms the foundation of the wines. Zelma Long is Head Winemaker for the Vilafonté project and one of America's best known winemakers. One of the first women to study enology and viticulture at U.C. Davis, she began her winemaking career at Robert Mondavi Winery rapidly working into the Chief Winemaker position. Shortly after, she was recruited by Simi winery, as CEO and head winemaker. Zelma now oversees the winemaking and style development of the Vilafonté wines and has been described as ‘fanatical’ in her pursuit of quality; working closely with Chris De Vries (winemaker) and Edward Pietersen (viticulturist).