Paul and Nicky Wallace purchased their 25 hectare farm in September 2003 and immediately set out to create their own little piece of heaven. Paul is a viticultural consultant and here at last he could practise what he has advised and encouraged other farmers to do in their vineyards. It has long been Paul's belief that the cool-climate region of Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.

The Golden Delicious and Granny Smith orchards have been replaced by plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, changing the face of the farm entirely. The area under vines is currently 12.5 hectares. What is planted on the remaining four hectares of arable land is still hotly debated at the dinner table.

This is a small family business where Paul oversees the vineyards and Nicky, with her commercial retail background, is the glue that holds the admin, sales and marketing together. Their youngest winemaker son Bobby, has recently joined the team and will be adding polish to their wines and developing further local and domestic markets.

The existing farmworkers cottages have also received an extensive makeover. Three labourer's cottages have been refurbished into self-catering accommodation whilst a fourth cottage has been converted into a charming tasting room which is open every Saturday from 10:30am - 5pm. Here you are likely to be hosted by one of the family, who will regale you with the stories of their wine journey and the quirky names behind their wines. If a Saturday doesn't suit, the tasting room can be visited any time during the week, Sundays or Public Holidays by prior arrangement. An added bonus all adding to the warm hospitality you will experience is that the wines have been paired with delicious Belgian chocolate.

Surrounded by vineyards, natural dams with abundant bird life and unparalleled sunsets, Wallovale Vineyards, the Home of Paul Wallace Wines, is a little piece of paradise.