Warwick Estate

Warwick wine estate was known as the farm 'Good Success' from 1791 until 1902. After the Anglo Boer war, Colonel Alexander Gordon from Warwickshire regiment bought the farm and renamed it 'Warwick' as a tribute to his army regiment.

The farm was purchased by Stan & Norma Ratcliffe in 1964, at the time there was not a single vine on the farm. However, Stan and Norma Ratcliffe soon realized the potential of the terroir and began planting Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines gave high quality grapes, which were soon in demand from wholesalers and other wineries.

Norma became more and more interested in the making of wine and began to study the subject. Soon a cellar was in place and in 1984 the first Warwick vintage was released (a Cabernet Sauvignon). It seemed Norma had the talent for making great wines and production soon increased. The Trilogy, since 1986, a Bordeaux style blend soon became one of the flagships of the South African Wine Industry.

The farm today is still very much a family affair. After 20 years as Warwick's winemaker, Norma stepped down and she was succeeded by Louis Nel who is widely considered to be one of the most talented winemakers in South Africa.

Mike Ratcliffe, Stan and Norma's son assumed the role of Managing Director in 2001.