Description
About Cape Jaffa Wines
We’re part of a community of non-conformists who march to the beat of our own drum – especially when it comes to our pursuit of making great wines. It all starts with the land. We grow fruit in our own biodynamic vineyards and partner with growers who share our commitment to tread lightly and do all we can to let nature take its course.
This natural process serves as our inspiration to explore the exciting potential of biodynamic winemaking – trialling new ways of growing, blending and vinifying without being constrained by convention. It’s all in service to making wines that capture the beauty of this special place and reflect the spirit of the people who call it home.
Cape Jaffa Wines is a pioneering winery located in the Mount Benson region on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Founded in 1992 by the Hooper family, Cape Jaffa was established on land that was, at the time, an unexplored wine region. The family’s vision was to create a vineyard that reflected both the unique maritime climate and the rich terra rossa soils of the area. Their first vintage was produced in 1996, marking the beginning of what would become a celebrated legacy in sustainable and biodynamic winemaking.
From its inception, Cape Jaffa Wines has been committed to holistic and environmentally conscious farming. The property, managed by Derek Hooper and his partner Anna Hooper, is fully certified biodynamic, a distinction achieved in 2005. This approach was adopted to best care for the land and to express the unique terroir in their wines. Cape Jaffa was the first winery in the Mount Benson region, and its vineyard remains a beacon for innovation and sustainability, having won multiple awards for its environmental initiatives and being inducted into the Advantage SA Sustainability Hall of Fame.
Cape Jaffa’s winemaking is characterized by creativity and a willingness to push boundaries. Anna Hooper, the chief winemaker, draws on international experience and a passion for both tradition and experimentation. Notably, the winery produces both classic single varietals and unconventional blends, such as the “Riptide” Viognier with a splash of Shiraz, and “La Lune,” a blend of ten varieties. Their Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly iconic, consistently performing as standout varietals thanks to the region’s cool maritime influence. The “Epic Drop Shiraz” has received critical acclaim, including gold and silver medals at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge.
Today, Cape Jaffa Wines is celebrated for its hands-on, small-batch approach, producing wines that reflect both place and personality, and offering a genuine connection to the pristine coastal environment of Mount Benson.
