Paul Wallace Wines

Paul Wallace's path to winemaking was unconventional but deliberate. After seventeen years as a viticulturist and grape buyer at Stellenbosch Farmers Winery, followed by running his own viticultural consultancy from 1996, Paul had spent decades studying what makes South African vineyards tick. He became convinced that the cool-climate region of Elgin, then known almost exclusively for its apples and pears, was one of the most exciting developing wine regions in the country, and indeed internationally. In September 2003, Paul and his wife Nicky purchased a 25-hectare farm on Highlands Road and relocated from Cape Town to turn that conviction into wine.

They immediately began uprooting apple trees and replacing them with grapevines. Using Paul's deep understanding of site and soil, they planted Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc across what would grow to 12.5 hectares under vine. The farm, called Wallovale Vineyards, sits on the elevated Elgin plateau surrounded by views of vineyards, cellar buildings, and a picturesque dam, at an altitude where the maritime influence from False Bay keeps summer temperatures in check and allows grapes to ripen slowly and develop complexity.

The Paul Wallace wine range was officially launched in 2013, a decade after the first vines went in, a patience that speaks to the family's commitment to getting it right rather than rushing to market. Each wine in the portfolio carries a distinctive name that reflects the personality of the family and farm. The Brave Heart Pinot Noir, the Black Dog Malbec, the Reflection Chardonnay, the Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc, and The Nix Sauvignon Blanc each tell part of the Wallovale story. The Crackerjack is a playful addition to the range, while a Noble Late Harvest and a Bordeaux Blend round out a portfolio of around seven wines that punch well above their weight.

This is a genuine family operation. Paul manages every aspect of the vineyard himself, applying the expertise of a career spent in viticulture to his own land. Nicky, drawing on her commercial retail background, handles administration, sales, and marketing, and is the welcoming face at the tasting room. The charming cellar-door experience includes food and wine pairings that showcase how well these cool-climate wines complement seasonal dishes.

Paul Wallace Wines also offers overnight accommodation in farm cottages, making it an ideal base for couples and families exploring the Elgin Valley. The property is family-friendly, with children welcome, and the setting beside the dam provides a peaceful retreat far from the bustle of the major wine routes. It is a reminder that some of the finest wines in the Cape come not from grand estates but from families who know their land intimately and have the patience to let it speak.