Features:
- Boutique Winery
- Cold Winters Day
- Hot Summers Day
- Child Friendly
- Restaurants
- Bistro or Deli
- Cap Classique/MCC/Sparkling Wine
Phone: +27 83 463 8503
Website: https://www.abingdonestate.co.za
Address: Abingdon Estate, 7 District Road, Lions River
Map Location: Click to view on Google Maps
Situated in the KZN Midlands, Abingdon Wine Estate is a boutique producer of fine wines.
The history of the KwaZulu-Natal winelands dates back to 2004. Call it madness, or an act of genius, Ian Smorthwaite, a production engineer with no background in viticulture, took a giant leap of faith and began a journey of pioneering wine on his farm in Lions River. The first vines were planted in 2004, making Abingdon the oldest commercial vineyard in KZN. In 2007, Abingdon made history with its maiden vintage as the first certified wine to be released from KZN.
Situated at 1140m above sea level, the Estate has just under 4ha under vine and produces certified estate wines from 100% Abingdon grapes, averaging 12 000 bottles in total per year. Abingdon produces a range of wines including Cap Classique bubbles, whites, rose and red wines. The wines reflect the cool slopes upon which the cultivars are planted and the high altitude, cool climate creates a unique Old World style of wine.
Abingdon is a family run estate with father & daughter team, Ian and Laurie, taking a hands-on approach to all aspects of viticulture and wine making. Ian is self-taught, taking a dynamic and intuitive approach to viticulture in KwaZulu-Natal and works alongside his highly educated daughter. Laurie, a certified WSET lecturer, award winning sommelier and international wine judge.
The popular tasting room is open on Fridays, Saturdays and two Sundays a month for lunch. The tapas style menu is perfect for a long lunch beside the vines on a warm summer’s day or beside the fireplaces in Winter. Abingdon was the recipient of the American Express Dining Awards SA’s Best Kept Secret in 2019 and all meals are prepared by owner, Jane Smorthwaite.
