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INTRODUCTION
Although my dad, Charlie, had the �rst motor car in our country village in Ireland, and, both he and my mother strived extremely hard to send their four boys to Ireland’s best educational institution, life was a consistent struggle for them as nobody could ever describe us as being rich. To be fair to him, Charlie was an only son, very unusual in those days in Ireland where rugby teams were more common for family sizes, of a quite domineering and controlling mother, who sti�ed and, sel�shly, in�uenced his career path. On the contrary, Maura, our mother, allowed, and encouraged, all her four lads to go out into the world and be successful. We all run our own businesses.
Belvedere College was very important to me. Not only was I encour-aged to develop, and mature, as an individual, it also introduced me to the game of rugby football, which has since taken me to most corners of the world, many times! There is an uniqueness to rugby people. No matter what country you go to, all over the world, neither language nor religion counts. It’s like a sporting Masonic movement, automatic, lifelong friendship in every country. And I’ve been to 81 of these rugby countries.
When I look back on that day, November 4th 1966, when I landed at London’s Heathrow Airport, as a not very mature, quite naïve and relatively unworldly young man, little did I know that some forty four years later, I would be seeking to be successful in yet another conti-nent, country and business. My passion for wine took a little time to develop. It was probably in the late 1970’s and my membership of Hugh Johnson’s and Tony Laithwaite’s Sunday Times Wine Club which started me o�.
I think my �rst Premier Grand Cru Classe purchase was Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1988 at 7.70 Francs a bottle i.e. £0.70p. I sold it 10 years later for £1,450 per case. Mind you, I will now admit to never fully declaring how much wine I bought over the years to my good lady, Rosie, as once, whilst tasting another Premier Grand Cru Classe wine, I mentioned the price I paid for it. She responded: Bloody hell, I could have bought a dress for that!!!
My passion for wine drove me to build an underground air conditioned cellar, beneath the conservatory, which Rosie wanted. I would while away the hours in my underground haven, and heaven, keeping my inventory notes up to date whilst noting which wines were nearing the maximum maturity date. My passionate hobby of collecting “en primeur” Bordeaux wines was particularly important as the subsequent sale of these wines paid for the building of the cellar on the farm.
In actual fact, seven cases of Chateau La�te bought our 20 steel tanks. I did tell Rosie this!!
June 1992 was also another important, very important date. Having been to South Africa in 1981, I didn’t return until ten years later when I saw very de�nite opportunities for my sports travel business. I forecasted that when South Africa was invited back into world sport, there would be an explosion of schools seeking to go overseas on sports tours. One of these was Wynberg School from the Western Cape who booked with me to come to the UK in December 1992.
At that time, their Chairman of Governors was Andre Badenhorst whose son, Charl, was captain of the touring side. Andre was also their chief fundraiser. Whilst I was in Cape Town, I met him and, being rugby people, we established a lifelong friendship. We bought an apartment in Cape Town’s Waterfront in 2002 and thus really started our romance with The Mother City. After I sold my main business to Tui Travel plc., in 2008, in December of that year, we were having a braai in Andre’s house in Simon’s Town when I uttered the fatal words – I’d like a South African wine farm.
We had a couple of false starts before eventually buying Far Horizons Farm, the most westerly farm in the Voor Paardeberg. In actual fact, we’re so westerly we actually border the Swartland. And this is where, another life started in September 2010. At the age of 64, when most people are thinking about retirement, golf, grandchildren, world travel etc, two 64 years old farts (Andre and I) launch a new R40m business.
And what an incredible journey it has been so far. The following pages give you some insight of what we have for you to share with us. How-ever, our project does give me one very signi�cant problem. When I am at home in the UK., I am home sick for my home in S A. The more I come here, the more I’m involved which increases the heart wrenching. But, I’m extremely grateful to have such a small di�culty, considerably minor to many burdens other people have to bear.
I invite you to join me on my journey.
Edwin Doran
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Winemakers
When we �rst took over in August 2010, Andre’s target was to return his beloved vineyards to tip top condition. There is a very old cliché that says that wine is made in the vineyard. The best vines produce the best wines.
Andre set about his task with great gusto – a man reborn. And didn’t he do superbly well. So much so, many of our wine farm neighbours said that they never saw our vines looking so well. Now, we want to make them the best in the Paarl wine region.
Andre Badenhorst
Having been Head Boy at Wynberg, Andre went to Elsenberg where he
quali�ed in oenology. He leased Buitenverwachting which he brought
to the forefront of South African wines. He was one of the �rst to blend
a premium white wine in South Africa. His son Adi continues this proud
tradition!! Andre started and established Constantia Uitsig. Before
partnering with me, Andre ran his own wine business achieving
considerable success with organisations like British Airways etc.
Once Andre tasted some wines from the Voor Paardeberg, he realised
that there were other premium wine growing areas in SA besides
Constantia! And no houses, busy tra�c and shopping centres at your
front gates!
Martin Lamprecht
Martin joined us for the 2012 vintage. I don’t think there is anybody as
passionate about his wine. He admits he wants to be the best
winemaker in South Africa. If not The World!! And this is only two years
after he left Stellenbosch where he initially studied engineering before
switching to oenology. He was the leading male graduate in his year
during which he spent some time dealing with customers at Simonsig!!
Very strongly recommended by his previous employer, the highly
acclaimed David Nieuwoudt at Cederberg, Martin’s education was
considerably enhanced by a vintage at Les Vins de Vienne, owned by
Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard, Francois Villard who count among the
pioneers at the origin of the renaissance in the northern part of the
Rhone Valley during the 1980s.
François, Pierre, Yves are three vintners, three approaches to vine and
winegrowing. The Wines of Vienne have succeeded in producing an
alchemy that combines three sensibilities into a high-performance
team spirit. This collective commitment to the production of quality
wines is brought about by each individual experience.
VINTAGE HISTORY
South Afrca has been making wine since 2nd February 1659. It has the
oldest viticultural soils in the world dating back 500 million years. We
seek to produce premium quality, vibrant and distinctive wines in an
environmentally sensitive and ethically responsible manner. Our
grapes are produced in harmony with nature as our conservation
footprint allows our vineyard to �ourish alongside our natural habitat.
There is a purity and intensity in our wine �avours as we combine
sun-kissed, exuberant fruit with elegance, structure and �nesse
presenting fruit-forward styles with elegance and �nesse. There is a
unique freshness in our wines that can only come from an environ-
ment where nature is put �rst and wine production is kept in balance
with the natural environment. Each bottle is full of life!! Cuttings from
Cape vines were used to establish the �rst vineyards in Australia in
1788.
We have the ideal combination of experience (Andre was born at Groot
Constantia), youth (Martin and Basson), excellent terroir and the �nest
cellar facilities to produce the best wine possible for our customers to
enjoy. And a beautiful farm for you to visit. We have not spared time
nor expense in our drive to produce the best wine for you.
Prior to 2011
South African wines are grown in one of the world’s most natural
environments in between two oceans, soaring mountains and unparal-
leled diversity. When you come to us, you’ll see for yourself! We took
over in August 2010, which was one of the lowest yielding vintages of
recent time. Just 375 tonnes were harvested, way below the annual
harvest of between 500 – 550 tonnes. It shows the in�uence the
weather can have on your harvest when you do not get enough sun at
the right times. But, the fruit was of a very high quality.
Vintage 2011
Seeing what happened in 2010 vintage, when we took over the farm in
August 2010, our concentration was on getting the vineyard as ready
as we possibly could for vintage 2011. Mother Nature also shined on us
as we produced a record of 623 tonnes. We pruned quite aggressively
in August and began changing the trellising system from Smart Dyson
to the traditional Perold system which whilst producing less tonnage
per hectare, allows you more practical viticulture practices.
Vintage 2012
Our changing of the trellising system continued. Other changes we
made in the vineyards included changing the tillage system in
between the vines. Based upon our decision to produce a premium
wine, we selected he prime sites of each vineyard of each varietal and
gave them special care and attention whilst also reducing the amount
of fruit from 12 tonnes per hectare to eight ton per hectare. All of the
premium wine harvest is done by hand, not machine, to give an extra
quality control as any damaged bunches can be sorted out right at the
vine.
Martin Lamprecht
Martin joined us for the 2012 vintage. I don’t think there is anybody as
passionate about his wine. He admits he wants to be the best
winemaker in South Africa. If not The World!! And this is only two years
after he left Stellenbosch where he initially studied engineering before
switching to oenology. He was the leading male graduate in his year
during which he spent some time dealing with customers at Simonsig!!
Very strongly recommended by his previous employer, the highly
acclaimed David Nieuwoudt at Cederberg, Martin’s education was
considerably enhanced by a vintage at Les Vins de Vienne, owned by
Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard, Francois Villard who count among the
pioneers at the origin of the renaissance in the northern part of the
Rhone Valley during the 1980s.
François, Pierre, Yves are three vintners, three approaches to vine and
winegrowing. The Wines of Vienne have succeeded in producing an
alchemy that combines three sensibilities into a high-performance
team spirit. This collective commitment to the production of quality
wines is brought about by each individual experience.
UP & COMING WINES
DORAN VINEYARDS COLLECTION
Chenin Blanc
The end of 2012 will see the �rst wine under our premium label. We
bought two parcels of the most superb Chenin from grape growers
well known to us. Although both farms are very close to each other, the
aromas from both these wines are deliciously di�erent. Both are quite
beautiful. Blending will be a great challenge because they are so good.
Chenin Blanc thrives in the Paardeberg. Mostly from very old bush
vines with very low yields, the natural acidity in the grapes keeps the
wine fresh developing lovely rich honey �avours. It is particularly
resistant to the Cape Doctor!!
W I N E O F S O U T H A F R I C A
2012
Prior to 2011
South African wines are grown in one of the world’s most natural
environments in between two oceans, soaring mountains and unparal-
leled diversity. When you come to us, you’ll see for yourself! We took
over in August 2010, which was one of the lowest yielding vintages of
recent time. Just 375 tonnes were harvested, way below the annual
harvest of between 500 – 550 tonnes. It shows the in�uence the
weather can have on your harvest when you do not get enough sun at
the right times. But, the fruit was of a very high quality.
Vintage 2011
Seeing what happened in 2010 vintage, when we took over the farm in
August 2010, our concentration was on getting the vineyard as ready
as we possibly could for vintage 2011. Mother Nature also shined on us
as we produced a record of 623 tonnes. We pruned quite aggressively
in August and began changing the trellising system from Smart Dyson
to the traditional Perold system which whilst producing less tonnage
per hectare, allows you more practical viticulture practices.
Vintage 2012
Our changing of the trellising system continued. Other changes we
made in the vineyards included changing the tillage system in
between the vines. Based upon our decision to produce a premium
wine, we selected he prime sites of each vineyard of each varietal and
gave them special care and attention whilst also reducing the amount
of fruit from 12 tonnes per hectare to eight ton per hectare. All of the
premium wine harvest is done by hand, not machine, to give an extra
quality control as any damaged bunches can be sorted out right at the
vine.
WHITE WINES - HARVEST 2016
This is when our own Chenin, Grenache Blanc and Rousanne will be
picked for the �rst time. They are being planted now and will take three
years before the grapes can be turned into wine. This is a really exciting
project. We shall be reviewing our red wine strategy to see if we should
replace some of the Merlot with some Rhone varietals.
RED WINES 2012
To produce even greater quality grapes for our reds, we created a
pruning strategy of reducing our tonnage by 33 .33% to obtain
optimum fruit �avours. To be on the farm in April for nearly two weeks
and to taste these wines very regularly was such a joy. They were
superb initially, and got better every time we tasted them. The fruit on
the nose was simply amazing. So much so, apart from Shiraz and
Pinotage, we won’t know what the assembly will be when they �nish
their maturation in oak barrels.
Voor Paardeberg’s position is brilliant for Shiraz. We’ve purchased some
Mourvedre grapes from a local wine farm friend and will be blending
this with the Shiraz to make what we believe will be a stunning wine.
Our Pinotage is very di�erent from other wine farms. Some go for the
chocolate/co�ee/mocha type wine. We’re concentrating on extracting
the best berry aromas and tastes from the fruit. And I can honestly say
that the 2012 Pinotage is simply gorgeous – a beautiful example of
these quite superb berry aromas which follow through right the way to
the back palate.
Our Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc also strive to the
same berry fruit philosophy. The Cab Sauvignon is wonderful and
capable outstanding on its own such is the strength of the grape with
a delightful balance. Our problem will be how much Merlot, and
possibly, Franc we will add to make the �nal blend.
OUR FARM
OUR VINEYARDS
Design Suggestion Each vineyard should have a photo of the sign which says the name of the vineyard.Also, sketch out a map which shows the farm and where each vineyard is and what each building is. Also give a brief run down on
Soils (Terroir)/Weather
Terroir refers to the natural features of a body of land which interact to create a unique set of conditions that in turn confer speci�c character-istics on the wines produced there. Key factors include topography, climate, geology and soil.
Combine bene�cial maritime in�uences like regular coastal fog and cooling sea breezes with a moderate Mediterranean climate, distinctive and varied topography, and diverse soils, and you have the ideal conditions in which to create wines of unique character and complex-ity. Swartland/Glenrosa and Vilafontes 3 & Escourt 2 structure – clay and decomposed granite, high moisture retaining.
The Cape is the windiest wine region in the world. The prevailing summer wind, the southeaster, blows almost every day in summer from early afternoon. It is known as the Cape Doctor as it blows away pollution. It is highly bene�cial to our vineyard as it cools the vineyards down and dries them if there has been any rain.
Cabernet Sauvignon - Maura’s Vineyard
We have 12 hectares of this traditional Bordeaux grape which we blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. We normally pick it at 24 Balling – measurement of the sugar content in wine expressed as a % of the mass.
It ferments for 3 weeks and then matures in steel tanks for 4-5months followed by 12-15 months in a mixture of French oak barrels – many new but to give a proper balance, some are also one and two years old.
The vineyard is called Maura’s Vineyard after my mother. When writing this, although she passed away some 28 years ago, I feel a little well of emotion arising and the tear ducks are a bit active. A truly amazing lady, from whom I have learnt so much. My three brothers say I was her favourite. This farm is particularly impor-tant to me as my mother was a farmer’s daughter so I am really return-ing to her roots. I know she would be very happy here. I hope she’ll guide me along the right path.
Merlot - Charlie’s Vineyard.
Merlot is a sibling of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is primarily a blending grape which you combine with other grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, as it brings a berry �avour component to the Bordeaux blend – blackberry & raspberry. It also softens a blend.
Charlie Doran was always the life and soul of every party especially when playing the piano. None of his four sons have any musical ability. He was also a great dancer. Another talent I didn’t inherit, especially with my �at feet. It seems di�cult to believe now but, he was the �rst motor car owner in our village. During summer school holidays, we redecorated the family home. I tripped over a gallon of paint covering our kitchen �oor. My dad verbally exploded and his top set of false teeth �ew out of his mouth. I caught them! Otherwise I would have been in real trouble.
Cabernet Franc – Vera’s Vineyard
DNA tests have proved that it was a Cab Franc crossing with Sauvignon Blanc that created the Cab Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is one of my favourite varietals. I love the tobacco aroma you get from it. A small amount of approx. 6-7% of Cab Franc is added to our Bordeaux blend
Vera was the adored mother to Rosemary (my wife). She did an excel-lent job as you’ll see whenever you meet her two children. Like her husband, she loved nothing more than a good party with plenty of gin and little tonic. De�nitely no ice!! Vera’s party piece was doing the splits – even in her 70’s!!
Shiraz – Peck’s Vineyard
Percy Thomas was supposed to be his real name but when we found
his birth certi�cate, we found he was christened Joseph Sidney. He was
away for most of the Second World War apart from when he was taken
home o� the beaches at Dunkerque, a very frightening experience. He
went to Kenya and on to Burma. The story I remember most is when his
truck broke down in Burma. Having got it going again, the �rst person
he sees is a British soldier who asks him what the hell is he doing ten
miles behind enemy lines. The return to his camp must have been a bit
daunting.
Pinotage – Japie’s Vineyard
The �rst generation of Badenhorst’s to be in the wine business. And
what a job he had. He became manager of Groot Constantia at the
tender age of 16. Just imagine, managing South Africa’s original and
thus oldest vineyard at that young age. A quite incredible achievement
so it is a pleasure to name the vineyard which produces South Africa’s
hybrid after him.
Beyers Truter, one of the truly great Pinotage winemakers says: Pino-
tage is the juice extracted from women’s tongues and lion’s hearts.
After having a su�cient quantity, one can talk forever and �ght the
devil!!
OUR CELLAR
When Andre and I decided that we were going to produce a premium wine, it meant that we had to build a new cellar to accommodate each harvest. This is where Andre’s vast experience came in as he built the most beautiful heaven for our wine. My job was to pay the bills.
THE MANOR HOUSE
Our South African home, here again, we listened to Andre’s advice and converted the accommodation block into four bedrooms, all with private facilities. In May 2011, Rosie and I spent 10 days non stop shopping looking at bathrooms, bedrooms, lounges and kitchens selecting tiles, curtains, blinds, furniture and everything else that goes into making a house a home. We’ve also brought some family items from the UK to perfect that family home feeling. We hope you like it.
OUR FAMILIES
THE BADENHORSTS
Andre Badenhorst
The Badenhorst wine dynasty started at Constantia, South Africa in 1926. Japie, Andre’s dad became manager of Groot Constantia when he was 16!! Andre was born there and have been in wine ever since. His son, Adi, is the third generation of Badenhorst wine family. Andre has known Edwin since 1992.
THE DORANS
Edwin Doran
Edwin’s grandfather, Edward, set up his business in the 19th century in Leixilip, Ireland. His son, Charlie, Edwin’s dad, continued the business in the 20th century. Edwin began buying serious wine in the mid 80’s and when he sold his main travel business, owning a wine farm in South Africa became a new career. At the age of 65.
Doran Family Vineyards is not only a name for a challenging venture; it is a legacy especially the family part, as I am a true family man. Throughout my life my family is dear to me and was and still is an integral part of all that I have achieved. Being an entrepreneur, I could always reckon on the support of my family, and as you would see in the vineyards and farm- and sections, I pay tribute to them and their memories by using their names in a special way.
My three brothers and I grew up in Ireland under the loving care of our parents Charlie and Margaret, known as Maura, Doran. They truly were amazing people, my mother an inventive and exceptional cook who were able, not only to create a formidable Christmas dinner, but to transform it into a feast. My dad was the life and soul of every party. He was also a caring father who sent his sons to what is arguably the best day school in Ireland, thus preparing us for life after home. He loved his motor cars and we boys were much a part of this receiving knowledge and experience �rsthand. Apart from that he spent much time as a spectator, watching rugby, his favourite sport.My Wife Rosie’s parents, Peck and Vera was an elegant couple and the family was lucky to have them for so long a time, as they did not part this world until they were 83. My mother passed away on the 23rd of March 1984, without seeing our son. My dad followed seven months later, for he could not live without her.
I was introduced to the game of rugby when I attended the Belvedere Secondary School. Amazingly this incredible game became the major in�uence of my life as my business became the largest organisers of rugby tours in the world. Rugby has taken me to more than 80 rugby playing countries in the world. I �rmly believe that rugby is not only an international game, but also an international language and presum-ably the greatest medium of friendship the world has ever known.
TASTINGS AND CELLAR TOURS South Africa is blessed with being such a great wine touring country. While remarkably diverse and spectacularly beautiful, our wine-producing region is amazingly compact. Good roads and signage will bring you to the Voor Paardeberg where you can visit us and our equally friendly neighbours.
We’re delighted to welcome you to our farm and taste our wines. Our new tasting room is open Saturdays and Sundays. As we have a very large stoep, why not have your picnic there. I can assure you the scenery is stunning as we are in the valley with the Paardeberg Moun-tains to our left and the Wellington Mountains to our right.
The rolling countryside is a photographer’s delight. We have a few sheep, lambs, cattle, springbok and an excellent collection of birds for the real happy snappers - �ocks of Egyptian Geese plus Pelicans, wild geese, breeding pairs of Blue Cranes, coots and a majestic resident Fish Eagle. Our dam attracts a further wonderful collection of birds.
If you want to come during the week, please telephone us on 021 869 8328, that we can be here to welcome you.