The Vilafonté Members Club is a thriving community of passionate people who recognize a fine wine when they taste it.
Launched in early 2013, the Members club provides access to the current releases of the Vilafonte Series C & Series M wines. Created by the legendary winemaker Zelma Long (Robert Mondavi and Simi wineries), Mike Ratcliffe (Warwick Wines) and UC Davis Viticulturist, Dr. Phil Freese (Opus One), these two luxury Bordeaux style blends are gaining top accolades from reputable wine critics.
Membership consists of two shipments annually. Members will have access to older vintages scarcely available to the public.
The Vilafonté (6 Bottle) Members Club Features:
• 6 bottles of allocated wine shipments twice a year (March and November)
• Access to limited allocations and library vintages
• 20% discount on all Vilafonté wine club shipments
Current shipment includes:
6 x Vilafonté - Series C, Paarl - 2022
Launched in early 2013, the Members club provides access to the current releases of the Vilafonte Series C & Series M wines. Created by the legendary winemaker Zelma Long (Robert Mondavi and Simi wineries), Mike Ratcliffe (Warwick Wines) and UC Davis Viticulturist, Dr. Phil Freese (Opus One), these two luxury Bordeaux style blends are gaining top accolades from reputable wine critics.
Membership consists of two shipments annually. Members will have access to older vintages scarcely available to the public.
The Vilafonté (6 Bottle) Members Club Features:
• 6 bottles of allocated wine shipments twice a year (March and November)
• Access to limited allocations and library vintages
• 20% discount on all Vilafonté wine club shipments
Current shipment includes:
6 x Vilafonté - Series C, Paarl - 2022
Challenging, yet filled with optimism. The 2022 growing season was characterized by a cool, wet start, with above-average rainfall in October and November 2021. This led to vigorous shoot growth, requiring diligent thinning and extending the flowering period. Four distinct heatwaves in January caused some sunburn on the more sensitive Malbec vines. February followed with fewer, milder heat spikes. These conditions contributed to some variable ripening within parcels and a smaller grape crop, ultimately shaping a late and drawn-out season. Harvest began nine days later than predicted, extending over four weeks instead of the usual three, from February 19th to March 17th. In some cases, we harvested individual parcels in multiple passes, fermenting them separately to allow greater flexibility during blending. Vintage 2022 quietly reflects our dedication and the enduring quality of our unique site. Wines from this vintage show promise, with density rather than heaviness, a well-rounded palate, and exceptional charm.
Winemakers: Martin Smith & Zelma Long
Winemakers: Martin Smith & Zelma Long
Vilafonté is the first American and South African joint wine-making venture. This groundbreaking red wine project is a partnership between a respected group of wine specialists from South Africa (Michael Ratcliffe) and the United States (Zelma Long and Phillip Freese).
Vilafonté is the first winery in South Africa to focus on making wine aimed specifically at the US market. The name Vilafonté is derived from the primary soil type of the 100-acre estate, whose character forms the foundation of the wines. The Vilafonté project aims to create the first luxury wine brand from South Africa.
Vilafonté is the first winery in South Africa to focus on making wine aimed specifically at the US market. The name Vilafonté is derived from the primary soil type of the 100-acre estate, whose character forms the foundation of the wines. The Vilafonté project aims to create the first luxury wine brand from South Africa.
