History
Bergsig Estate is situated in the Breede River Valley in South Africa, about 110 km from Cape Town.
This is where the Drakenstein and Hex River Mountains meet, creating such scenic surroundings that the farm was named “Bergsig”, meaning “mountain view”. In the valley and mountain slopes, this family estate offers a range of soils, aspects and climatic conditions, ideally suited to the quality white and red grape varieties grown here.
The first vines were planted in 1843 by Willem Lategan, forefather of a family that still runs the farm 6 generations later. Prop Lategan, well-known in the local wine industry, has now passed the responsibility on to his three sons: De Wet, as winemaker, while Plum and Louis are in charge of the vineyards and farming operations. This specialization allows them to use modern and eco-friendly viticultural practices, as well as the latest cellar technology.
Besides the main aim of producing superior wines, the family is also committed to conservation and has set aside land for this purpose. The mountain slopes cradling the estate are home to indigenous fynbos and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Willem Hendrik Lategan 1827-1917
Vineyards
The farm's position provides unique climatic conditions, because here is where the Breede River Valley narrows. The funnel effect that is created gives Bergsig cooling winds in summer and sufficient rainfall to require only supplementary irrigation when necessary. This coupled with access to mountain hillsides, means the main ingredients for quality are in place.
The majority of vineyards are younger than 20 years, with Pinotage and Tinta Barocca (used for Ports) approaching 30. Planted on a variety of soils, the vineyards have been sited where generations of experience show they produce the best results.
Vineyard management is focused not only on ensuring the best possible grape quality, but also on conservation, and the farm is therefore IPW certified, as a user of environmentally friendly farming methods. For further information, see Conservation.
