Cape Jaffa Winery

The Cape Jaffa Story

In June 1993, the Hooper family purchased a grazing property in the Mount Benson Region, which is part of the Limestone Coast, and proceeded to plant the Cape Jaffa vineyard. Our family was drawn here by the climate of the region, which is heavily influenced by the close proximity of the Great Southern Ocean.

Planting commenced immediately with 8.25 hectares being planted, this comprising of 4 hectares of Chardonnay, 2 hectares each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, a quarter of a hectare of Merlot. It was decided at first to keep plantings to a small number and focus on the development of a winery, as at the time there were no wine production facilities in the Mount Benson wine region.

In 1995 we produced our first vintage, with grapes purchased from the Mount Benson region. The wine was made at Leconfield Winery in Coonawarra.

In 1996 the stunning cellar door was constructed out of paddock rock, picked from the vineyard during development. We were able to do our second vintage at our own winery in 1996.The winery was extended in 1997 to a capacity of 1000 tonnes.

Over the last 10 years we have continued to expand the vineyard and a further 200 acres is set for development over the next 5 years.

Our Vineyards

The vineyards at Cape Jaffa were first planted in 1993. The site was selected not only for its cool climate, but also for the famous terra rosa soil over limestone, ideal for premium grape production. The majority of the vineyard is bilaterally trained, spur pruned and vertically shoot positioned to increase sunlight exposure. Vines are drip irrigated during the growing season.
The constant sea breeze during the growing season reduces disease pressure, making the area well suited for sustainable and/or organic viticulture.

Since establishment, we have been conscious of our environment and have endeavoured to keep all vineyard inputs 'clean and green' as much as possible. Our plans for the near future are to convert the vineyard to biodynamic management.

The Cape Jaffa Winery

Winemaker: Derek Hooper
Assistant Winemaker: Nigel Westblade

Our winery was built between 1993 and 1994 and was literally dug into the side of a limestone ridge. This has created the perfect climate for aging our wines with respect to temperature control and humidity. The winery itself is medium-sized by Australian standards with a capacity to crush up to 1000 tonnes. The majority of our wine production is extremely 'hands on' with limited automation as part of our commitment to quality and uniqueness of style. Approximately half of the red wine fermenters are open concrete rainwater tanks, which we plunge by hand.
Winemaker Derek Hooper studied at Roseworthy in 1991. Before establishing Cape Jaffa Wines, he gained extensive experience in at world-renowned wineries from around the world, including Domain de Chevelier in Bordeaux, Chapoutier in the Rhone Valley and Leconfield in Coonawarra, South Australia.

Nigel Westblade has been with Cape Jaffa since the 2003 vintage. He studied winemaking at Adelaide University and has since worked at various wineries around Australia and overseas including Delatite Winery in Victoria's highlands, Tahbilk in Nagambie and Chateau Ste Michelle in Washington State.