IDUN is a small boutique winery that is managed by a French-Danish family who found their way to South Africa by way of Mauritius.

The valley is a quick one-hour drive from Cape Town, and is surrounded by lush forests, orchards and flora, The valley’s wines are truly something else, made from grapes that ripen slowly because of Elgin’s fertile soil, elevation (350 m above sea level) and cool Mediterranean climate. The result is world-famous ‘cool climate’ wines that are delicate, elegant and age beautifully due to their higher acidity.

The name IDUN came naturally, as she is the Norse goddess of eternal life, fertility and apples. IDUN brings the hope of new beginnings and the chance to create something to cherish today and for generations to come.

Elgin is one of South Africa’s coolest and most distinctive wine regions, located just inland from the Atlantic coast, east of Cape Town. Nestled in an elevated plateau surrounded by rugged mountains, it benefits from a maritime-influenced climate with mild summers, cool nights and long, slow ripening seasons. Frequent morning mists and a high diurnal temperature range help to retain acidity and develop intense aromatics in the grapes. However, higher rainfall than most Cape regions means that disease pressure, particularly from mildew, is an ongoing viticultural challenge.

The soils in Elgin are varied, with sandstone, shale and decomposed granite predominating, often mixed with clay. These well-drained yet nutrient-poor soils naturally restrict vigour and yield, promoting concentration and elegance in the wines.

The region is best known for its white varieties – particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – which show crisp acidity and distinctive aromatic profiles. Sauvignon Blancs tend to exhibit flavours of gooseberry, grapefruit, lime and fresh herbs, while Chardonnays combine citrus and white peach fruit with subtle mineral and occasionally toasty notes. Elgin is also increasingly recognised for its refined Pinot Noir, with delicate red cherry, raspberry and floral aromas. Other varieties such as Riesling and Syrah are gaining interest in selected sites. Overall, Elgin wines are characterised by purity, finesse and a cool-climate freshness unique in South Africa.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular and versatile white grape varieties, originating from the Burgundy region of France. It is a relatively adaptable vine, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, making it widely planted across the globe. Chardonnay ripens early to mid-season and is known for its ability to express terroir, as well as respond well to a variety of winemaking techniques, including oak ageing and malolactic fermentation.

Today, Chardonnay is grown in nearly every major wine-producing country. In France, it shines in Burgundy’s Chablis (crisp, mineral-driven) and Côte de Beaune (rich, complex), and is also a key component of Champagne. In the New World, regions like California, Australia (Yarra Valley, Margaret River), New Zealand, and Chile produce diverse expressions, ranging from lean and citrusy to full-bodied and buttery.

Cool-climate Chardonnays tend to show green apple, lemon, and flinty notes, while warmer regions yield riper flavours like tropical fruit, peach, and melon. Oak-aged Chardonnays may exhibit vanilla, toast, and nutty characteristics, while unoaked versions highlight freshness and purity of fruit.

This remarkable flexibility makes Chardonnay a favourite among winemakers and wine lovers alike, offering a wide spectrum of styles and flavours.