Producer Profile

Testalonga

Craig & Carla Hawkins are the proud owners of TESTALONGA, a venture that took root in 2008 with the inception of their inaugural wine, a Skin Macerated Chenin Blanc. Operating from rented 11 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards nestled within the granite soils of the Paardeberg, along with an additional 4 hectares situated on the Sandstone soils of the Piketberg, TESTALONGA remains deeply rooted in its commitment to natural winemaking practices. In 2015, the acquisition of Bandits Kloof farm in the slate-rich northern mountains of the Swartland marked a significant milestone. Here, the couple embarked on a new journey, focusing on cultivating Mediterranean grape varieties, with the first vineyards planted in 2018.

testalonga-winemaker

Where The Wines Come From

Swartland

Natural wine from Swartland embodies the raw, untamed spirit of South Africa's winemaking renaissance. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Western Cape, Swartland's vineyards thrive under the intense African sun and cooling ocean breezes. Here, a new generation of winemakers is redefining tradition, championing organic and biodynamic practices that honor the land and its bounty. With minimal intervention in the cellar, Swartland's natural wines showcase the purest expression of the region's terroir, from old-vine Chenin Blancs bursting with tropical fruit to robust Syrahs layered with spice and earth. Each bottle tells a story of innovation and adventure, inviting drinkers to explore the wild beauty and boundless potential of South Africa's winemaking landscape.