Located in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, a unique pioneering estate which has positioned itself as a serious single vineyard boutique wine producer in KZN. Abingdon was the first farm to produce a certified estate wine from KZN grapes with their maiden vintage in 2007. The farm was bought in 2000 by owners, Ian & Jane Smorthwaite, and the first vines were planted in 2004.

As a family, the Smorthwaite’s had no background in winemaking. Ian spent years doing extensive research into wine growing areas around the world, particularly Europe, that have similar growing conditions and is 100% self taught. His leap of faith and determination paid off.

Situated at 1140m above sea level, the Estate has 4ha under vine and produces certified single vineyard Estate wines from 100% KZN grapes.
Abingdon is a family run estate with father & daughter team, Ian and Laurie Smorthwaite, taking a hands on approach to all aspects of viticulture and wine making.  The wines are made by hand, with minimal intervention in a traditional boutique manner.

Our average production ranges from 7 000 bottles on a small yielding year, to 15 000 bottles when the weather is on our side.

98% of our wines are sold from the estate in our tasting room. We do not export our wines nor retail in bottle stores.

The cultivars planted are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Nebbiolo and Tempranillo.

The soils are made of clovelly and griffon and offer good drainage, which is most welcome, when the rain shows itself in summer. The wines reflect the cool slopes and high altitude on which the cultivars are planted with Old World nuances and style. The uniqueness of the terroir can be tasted in the glass.

Abingdon’s maiden vintage, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blend in 2007, was the first ever certified estate wine made in KwaZulu-Natal. With the release and swift sales of over 120 certified wines to date, Abingdon produces a range of sparkling, white, rose and red wines each year.