Clos Malverne – from grape producer to prestigious winery
Until 1985, Clos Malverne in the Devon Valley was a grape producer that supplied another winery with its harvest. At that time, the farm was still called Malverne Heights, named after the hills around Malvern in the English homeland of the previous owner. At a braai on Christmas Eve of the same year, Seymour Pritchard, owner of the estate, received the proposal to produce his own wine from the grapes. The following year, the time had come: Clos Malverne produced 800 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon. The second vintage in 1987 encouraged Seymour Pritchard to devote himself entirely to viticulture and the Cabernet Sauvignon of 1988 was the first wine that Clos Malverne presented to the public. In reference to the wine-growing country of France, Seymour Pritchard changed the name of his estate to Clos Malverne – because "Clos" in French refers to an enclosed vineyard. The foundation stone was thus laid, and in the 1990s the estate expanded its vineyards. With Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz, further red grape varieties were added, which were planted in selected locations.
Clos Malverne – one of the pioneers of the Cape Blend
Making its own wines was not the only first in Clos Malverne's history. In 1995, Clos Malverne was one of the first wineries to produce a Cape Blend – a red wine with at least 30% Pinotage. And it was so successful that the estate's flagship also became a Cape Blend. Until then, the red wine called Auret had been a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 1998 vintage proved that this change was worthwhile, because in that year the John Platter Wine Guide awarded the Auret the top rating of 5 stars – the first Cape Blend ever. The complex red wines of the Reserve collection and the somewhat more accessible, uncomplicated wines of the Clos Malverne line complete the estate's red wine range. Although the focus is on the red grape varieties, a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc as well as two sparkling wines successfully round off the Clos Malverne range. Regardless of colour, all the estate's wines have one thing in common: they are made with minimal intervention. Clos Malverne is one of the few wineries that still uses the traditional, mechanical basket press to press the grapes. The result: elegant, complex and soft wines that express their terroir.
Clos Malverne – a pleasure experience for all the senses
Visitors to the winery on the gentle slopes of the Devon Valley in Stellenbosch can enjoy the excellent wines in the tasting room or on the terrace of the estate's own restaurant with a magnificent view. The "Ice Cream & Wine Pairing" offers a very special taste experience. In the luxurious and tastefully furnished rooms of the hotel or during the pampering programme of the day spa, you can relax wonderfully and let your soul dangle. The wellness area is managed by Seymour's daughter Belinda and his wife Sophia, who takes care of the bookkeeping, also works in the business – Clos Malverne is a family affair, so to speak. The family also played a role in the naming of the flagship: Auret is the maiden name of Seymour's mother and also his middle name. The atmosphere in the restaurant is also familiar and warm – the best prerequisite for a relaxed stay and an unforgettable experience of enjoyment with excellent wines.