Glen Carlou

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Nestled high in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, looking northwards towards Paarl, lies Glen Carlou Vineyards. Established in 1985 by celebrated winemaker Walter Finlayson, Glen Carlou has already developed a reputation among connoisseurs internationally for its exquisite wines.

The 108 ha farm once formed part of the original Somonsvlei land grant "Skilpadjie"' named after the now endangered geometric tortoise. It was given the name Glen Carlou by a previous owner in honour of his three lovely daughters, Lena, Carol and Louise.

Walter Finlayson, one of South Africa's best known winemakers, has devoted his life to the production of fine wines. In recognition of his success, he has twice received the coveted Diners Club Wine-maker of the Year Award. Over the past 20 years his wines have been awarded medals and trophies too numerous to mention and have regularly been on SA Airways "wines of the month" flights. Although the cellar was only completed in 1990, Glen Carlou has been selling wine since 1988 vintage, and the wines are much sought after.

Walter's son David, joined the company as cellar master in 1995 having gained experience overseas, after vintages in Australia and Bordeaux in France. He was trained in South Africa at Elsenburg College.

In 1996 Glen Carlou entered into an equal partnership with one of the most prestigious cellars in Napa Valley/California - The Hess collection winery, which is owned by Hess Holding AG, Berne-Liebefeld Switzerland.

THE VINEYARDS
From the outset everything that has been done at Glen Carlou has been with one goal in mind - to produce wines that will grace the cellars and tables of those who truly appreciate the finer things in life! Following careful preparation of the soil, the first vineyards were established in 1985.

Only the cultivars and vines that were virus free and best suited to the climate and soil types were planted. These included Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot which were carefully selected and nurtured during their formative years. Additional cultivars have since been planted, which include Shiraz, Zinfandel, Malbec, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Corne Festo and Tinta Roriz. At present the vineyards cover 65Ha.


Glen Carlou P.O. Box 23, Klapmuts 7628, SOUTH AFRICA 
Tel: +27 21 875 5528/96 
Fax: +27 21 875 5314 
Web: http://www.glencarlou.co.za