Iona – Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Cool-Climate Elgin
Estate of Andrew Gunn at 420 Metres Altitude
Iona is the estate of Andrew Gunn, who bought an apple farm in Elgin in 1997 and planted vines. At 420 metres altitude, the cool-climate conditions of the region produce Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Noir and the Syrah Solace.
Enjoy wines from the Elgin Valley: if you want to buy Iona wine, you will find Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah and the One Man Band with us.
Elgin Highlands Chardonnay
- Iona Vineyards
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Chardonnay
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 94 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2025: 93 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2025: 93 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€46.60* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Elgin Highlands Chardonnay
- Iona Vineyards
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Tim Atkin 2026: 93 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€46.60* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Elgin Highlands Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc
- Iona Vineyards
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Sauvignon Blanc
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 94 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€32.67* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Sophie le Rosé
- Iona Vineyards
- rosé wine - dry
- South Africa - Cape South Coast
- Pinot Noir
- John Platter: 3.5 Sterne / 85 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€17.27* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Kloof Chardonnay
- Iona Vineyards
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Chardonnay
- John Platter: 5 Sterne / 96 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2025: 95 Punkte
- Decanter Awards 2026: Gold / 95 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2025: 96 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€66.60* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Solace Syrah
- Iona Vineyards
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Shiraz/Syrah
- Decanter Awards 2026: Silber / 94 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2025: 95 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€47.93* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Mr. P Pinot Noir
- Iona Vineyards
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Pinot Noir
- Jahrgang 2023 - John Platter: 4 Sterne
- Jahrgang 2023 - Tim Atkin 2024: 89 Punkte
- Jahrgang 2023 - Veritas Awards 2025: Silber
Content: 0.75 Litre (€25.27* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
One Man Band
- Iona Vineyards
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Shiraz/Syrah - blend
- Tim Atkin 2024: 93 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€37.33* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Fynbos Chardonnay
- Iona Vineyards
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Chardonnay
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 93 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2025: 94 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2025: 95 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€66.60* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Elgin Highlands Pinot Noir
- Iona Vineyards
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Pinot Noir
- Tim Atkin 2026: 92 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€49.27* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Kloof Pinot Noir
- Iona Vineyards
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Pinot Noir
- Tim Atkin 2024: 94 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2024: 94 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€73.33* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Iona Vineyards
Andrew Gunn and the Founding of Iona
Andrew Gunn bought the farm that is now called Iona in 1997 to grow apples. When the market collapsed, grapes and wine moved into focus.[1] It was a run-down apple farm in the Elgin region.[2]
The first harvest followed in 2001.[2] The Syrah Solace comes from the vineyard of Gunn's wife Rozy.[1]
Elgin, One of South Africa's Coolest Wine Regions
Elgin is considered one of South Africa's coolest wine regions. Winds from the Atlantic create a long, slow growing season.[1]
The Iona vineyards sit on a plateau at around 420 metres altitude. According to a directory, the grapes ripen there about two months later than in other Cape vineyards.[3]
The Vineyards
The home farm and the Brocha vineyard together cover about 40 hectares. The Langrug farm, with Pinot Noir, comes on top of that.[2] The home farm has alluvial soils from an old river valley, Langrug has decomposed shale.[2]
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
Chardonnay grows in four vineyards with different clones and aspects and is fermented in Burgundian barrels.[1] The grapes are whole-bunch pressed, and some go straight into barrel.[2]
Pinot Noir comes from five of the estate's vineyards.[1] For Sauvignon Blanc, Gunn favours a long hang time on the vine.[1] The Syrah Solace is added in small quantities.[2]
Farming with Responsibility
According to a 2022 report, Iona works with organic and biodynamic principles, pays double the minimum wage and offers an equity scheme for workers.[1] All workers are trained in farming and winemaking.[1]
The Wines
The range includes the Elgin Highlands Chardonnay, the Kloof Chardonnay and the Fynbos Chardonnay, the Elgin Highlands Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Noirs Elgin Highlands, Kloof and Mr. P, the Solace Syrah, the rosé Sophie Le Rosé and the One Man Band.
Vineyard facts
- Year of established:
- 1997
- Address:
- Highlands Road, Elgin Valley, 7160
- Geo data address:
- -34.27854253184555, 19.082735310657917
- Acreage:
- 40 ha
- Our recommendation:
- Iona Sauvignon Blanc
- Why you should visit:
- Personalised wine tastings invite visitors to discover Iona's elegant cool-climate wines surrounded by the estate's high-altitude vineyards in the Elgin Valley
- Walking trails and mountain biking routes wind through the spectacular Iona Highlands, offering breathtaking views across the Elgin Valley
- Set at around 420 metres above sea level, Iona offers crisp mountain air, peaceful surroundings and magnificent natural scenery
- For visitors seeking authentic boutique wineries and outstanding cool-climate wines, Iona offers one of South Africa's most rewarding wine experiences
- Phone:
- +27 (0) 28 2849678
- Vineyard website:
- https://www.iona.co.za/
Frequently Asked Questions about Iona
What is Iona known for?
For Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from cool-climate Elgin, from an estate at around 420 metres altitude.
Who founded Iona?
Andrew Gunn bought the farm in 1997, where he first wanted to grow apples. When the market collapsed, grapes and wine became the focus.
Where is Iona located?
In the Elgin Highlands in the Elgin Valley, about 70 kilometres south-east of Cape Town, near the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
How cool is it at Iona?
Elgin is considered one of South Africa's coolest wine regions. According to a directory, the grapes ripen about two months later than in other Cape vineyards.
How big is the estate?
The home farm and the Brocha vineyard together cover about 40 hectares. The Langrug farm, with Pinot Noir, comes on top of that.
Which grape varieties grow at Iona?
Mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus Syrah.
What is the Solace?
A Syrah made in small quantities. It comes from the vineyard of Gunn's wife Rozy.
Since when has Iona made wine?
The first harvest was in 2001, and the farm was bought in 1997.
Can you visit Iona?
Yes. According to a directory, the estate is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and at weekends by appointment only. Please ask the estate for current times.
Which Iona wines do you offer?
Among others Elgin Highlands Chardonnay, Kloof Chardonnay, Fynbos Chardonnay, Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Solace Syrah and One Man Band.