A Journey Born from Serendipity

Some careers are carefully planned. Others happen by chance. For our Cellar Master, it was a harvest job during a gap year that lit the spark. What began as an unexpected opportunity soon became a calling, one he has followed with passion and precision ever since.

Eagles’ Nest Shiraz has long held a special place in his heart. When the opportunity arose to work with one of South Africa’s leading Shiraz producers, perched high on the dramatic Constantia slopes, it was simply too irristable to ignore. Here, the distinctive terroir, shaped by ocean breezes, decomposed granite soils, and elevated vineyards, offers an exquisite canvas for crafting wines of remarkable depth, purity, and spice.

A Philosophy Rooted in Respect

“Passionate about respecting the terroir.” Those are the words our Cellar Master lives by. Innovation and tradition work hand in hand in his cellar. From attentive vineyard selection to considered cellar craft, every decision is guided by a pursuit of wines that express their origin with unwavering elegance and integrity.

From Vineyard to Bottle

Each Eagles' Nest vineyard is treated as a Reserve block. Meticulous attention is given to every detail, from canopy management to picking decisions, with grapes carefully sorted both in the vineyard and the cellar. The result is wines that are fruit-forward, balanced, and expressive. Shiraz, in particular, flourishes across diverse slopes, soils, and clones, yielding layers of complexity and spice. Maturation in French oak, and now in concrete, adds finesse and texture, enhancing the fruit without ever overshadowing it.

Signature Wines

"If one wine best captures the spirit of Eagles’ Nest, it’s the Shiraz Reserve 2022. A wine of remarkable structure and spice, born from the estate’s extraordinary terroir. The Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, barrel-fermented for texture and freshness, and elegant Viognier and Merlot also showcase the diversity and character of the Constantia slopes." - Cellar Master, Craig 

A Taste of the Slopes

Craig believes wine should transport you. With each sip, he hopes you’ll feel the mountain breeze, taste the ocean’s influence, and imagine yourself standing among the vines overlooking Cape Town.

Looking Ahead

The future holds great promise; from the introduction of new Shiraz clones to innovative fermentation and ageing techniques, all underpinned by a steadfast commitment to sustainability and precision. As he notes, “Concrete ageing will play a greater role, and the diversity of our Shiraz will only grow stronger.”
 
 
 
 
 
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His Personal Favourites

  • For a celebration: Eagles’ Nest Shiraz Reserve 2015 or 2022

  • For a refined dinner: Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023 with delicate fish

  • For the unexpected: A playful pairing of Shiraz with inventive, flavourful dishes