From Platter’s Stars to New Year’s Goals: A Look at Eagles’ Nest Wines in 2025
January 27, 2025
As the first rays of summer’s warmth spread over the Constantia Valley, something magical is beginning to unfold at Eagles’ Nest. The 2025 harvest season is upon us, and this exciting time of year is an opportunity to reflect on what makes our wines truly unique – the meticulous care taken in both the vineyard and cellar, and of course, the talent behind it all.
The Elevation Advantage: The Perfect Terroir
Eagles’ Nest is not just another vineyard. Located up to 400 meters above sea level, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, our estate benefits from a unique terroir, which plays a significant role in producing exceptional wines. The elevation provides a cool climate which helps maintain high acidity in our grapes, ensuring the vibrant freshness and balance you experience in every sip.
The coastal breeze from False Bay, just 10.5 km away, brings a refreshing chill that naturally prolongs the growing season. This extended hang time on the vine allows the grapes to develop complex flavours, contributing to the signature depth and character of our wines. The result is a perfect blend of freshness, elegance, and flavour intensity.
Our Vineyards: A Labour of Love
Our estate is home to a variety of red and white varietals, each hand picked at their peak ripeness. From our Merlot to our Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, every grape that makes its way into our wines is treated with care. Each vine is tended to with precision, respecting the natural rhythms of the land and the environment around it.
The vines, grown on steep slopes with East, West, and North-facing aspects, produce small batches of fruit that are individually selected for their quality. The vineyard is a living ecosystem, and we strive to nurture that balance through sustainable practices, always aiming for a minimal environmental impact.
Behind the Bottle: Meet Craig Barnard, Our Winemaker
At the heart of every bottle of Eagles’ Nest wine is our talented winemaker, Craig Barnard. With a deep passion for winemaking and a commitment to excellence, Craig ensures that every stage of the process, from grape to glass, is crafted with the utmost care.
With years of experience under his belt, Craig’s winemaking philosophy blends tradition with innovation. His dedication to crafting wines that are both expressive and balanced shines through in every vintage. As a steward of the land, Craig works closely with our vineyard team to ensure that each grape that makes it into the cellar is of the highest quality.
The Harvest Process: From Vine to Wine
As harvest begins, the excitement at Eagles’ Nest is palpable. This is the culmination of months of hard work and attention to detail. The 2025 harvest is no exception, and we are thrilled to be hand-picking some of the most promising grapes of the season.
Once harvested, the grapes are carefully sorted and brought into the cellar, where they undergo fermentation. Craig and the team conduct multiple daily tastings during fermentation, ensuring that every batch is developing just as it should. We pay close attention to temperature control, fermentation times, and barrel selection, all to enhance the complex flavours in our wines.
After fermentation, our wines undergo maturation in carefully selected French oak barrels. The time spent resting and refining in barrel allows the wine to soften, integrate, and develop its signature smoothness. The result? Wines of structure, balance, and depth that tell the story of the terroir and the craftsmanship behind them.
Looking Forward to 2025: What’s Next?
As we begin this year’s harvest, we look forward to another exciting vintage and to sharing the fruits of our labour with you. Whether you’re sipping our Merlot, enjoying the freshness of our Sauvignon Blanc, or indulging in the elegance of our Shiraz, each bottle represents our dedication to quality winemaking and the unique landscape we call home.
Stay tuned as we continue to capture the essence of our vineyards and bring you wines that embody the magic of Eagles’ Nest.
Cheers to another wonderful harvest!
Feast your eyes upon our selection of award-winning wines
FAQ’s
What makes Eagles’ Nest Wines unique?
Eagles’ Nest is renowned for its cool-climate wines, meticulously crafted from grapes grown on steep slopes in Constantia. Our small-batch, terroir-driven approach ensures exceptional quality.
How does the harvest process impact wine quality?
Hand-harvesting ensures only the best grapes are selected, preserving freshness and preventing premature oxidation, which leads to superior flavours and structure in our wines.
What is the fermentation process like at Eagles’ Nest?
We use a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including cold maceration, temperature-controlled fermentation, and gentle pressing, to enhance flavour complexity and aroma.
Why is barrel ageing important in winemaking?
Barrel ageing allows wines to develop depth and complexity. Our wines are carefully aged in a mix of new and seasoned oak barrels to balance structure, tannins, and nuanced flavours.
How does Eagles’ Nest ensure sustainability in winemaking?
We practice sustainable viticulture by minimizing chemical use, conserving water, and preserving natural biodiversity in our vineyards to produce eco-friendly, high-quality wines.