Small Wonder

Right now not a lot of people have heard of Small Wonder wines. But they will. The winery is on the site of Goaty Hill, having purchased the property in 2020. This vineyard in Tamar Valley is certified organic, and there is now a second organic-in-conversion vineyard that also supplies the winery with fruit from the more southern Coal River Valley.

The Tamar vineyard is almost 30 years old, comprising the bulk of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in clay loams and ferris mudstone. Planted across a range of aspects, the site presents both management challenges as well as a rare opportunity to explore micro-terroirs.

The younger Coal River site, which is just under a decade old, enjoys long daylight hours and a cool, more continental climate than in the North. Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah flourish mid-slope in fine sandy clay loams, while Pinot Gris and additional Chardonnay and Riesling blocks are planted on deeper, sandier soils in the lower flats.

Ockie Myburgh and Andrew Trio lead the winemaking team. All fruit is hand-harvested from organically farmed vineyards. Winemaking is light-touch yet precise: wild ferments, gentle lees work, restrained oak and gravity-led handling. With small-batch fermentations and block-by-block vinification, each wine reflects its site, soil and season.