Andrew Gunn
Former engineer Andrew Gunn decided to make a lifestyle change by buying a 120 hectare farm in the Elgin area four years ago.
Always having had an interest in wine and with the market for apples and pears having taken a bad turn, Gunn planted Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot in 1998, believing that they were both suited to the soils and cool temperatures.
Situated on the slopes of the Kogelberg behind Kleinmond, 420m above sea-level and roughly four kilometres from the sea, Gunn thinks Iona is ideal for Sauvignon Blanc.
Long-term temperature records revealed that they were comparable to those experienced in the best years in Bordeaux! Stellenbosch University's viticultural guru, Professor Eben Archer, said it was impossible … until he examined the figures himself.
This year the Sauvignon Blanc grapes were picked at the end of March - between four and six weeks after Stellenbosch and four weeks after "cool areas" Durbanville and parts of Darling.
It also helps that Gunn struck up an acquaintance with Gyles Webb of Thelema and Tokara and his assistant, Myles Mossop. So Iona's late-ripening grapes were vinified in Tokara's brand-new facility.
"We're all excited by the wine because it's very delicate and complex. "What I want to do is generate something unique and contribute to the marvellous diversity of the South African wine scene.
"We're no better than anyone else - we simply add another component."
There are just over 1 000 cases of this wine available currently, selling at R39 off the farm.
And the name Iona?
It means equality in Gaelic - Gunn has involved his farm workers in the project as partners. They've bought into the business, and as co-owners are motivated and make an invaluable contribution.
The family crest (and Iona label) sports a Viking longboat because the northern Scots Gunn family trace their roots back to Olaf the Black!
And Iona is an island off the coast of Scotland … besides which it's easy to pronounce and remember, an important facet of marketing!
