Solara Organic Wines

The story of Solara Organic Wines is one of dedication and perseverance by Patricia Werdmuller von Elgg, whose unconditional caring for the environment and all living creatures on Hout Baai farm is embodied in each bottle of her maiden 2014 vintage Solara Organic Sauvignon Blanc. This is in fact the culmination of her unrelenting efforts since purchasing the run-down farm outside McGregor in the Cape winelands in 2003.

Today a myriad of live creatures and natural fynbos vegetation flourish here as an interwoven whole around her 10.52 hectares of vineyards – with several animal species having a stake in the wine, in addition to the leopards represented on the label. A R3 donation for each bottle sold, goes to the Landmark Foundation and its leopard research and rescue projects. Patricia Werdmuller Von Elgg shares her entrepreneurial success with environment and health conscious wine consumers and her farm population alike – including stray and abused animals from the district, housed in kennels and paddocks which make up part of the complex of restored buildings and replanted vineyards on Hout Baai – so named after the mountain river that forms its border.

The vision for this picturesque farm and its Solara Organic Wines is achieving sales and profitability levels that ensure long-term sustainability as a model of achievement in organic production, to be emulated by other producers and thereby benefitting the ecological system as a whole. Also encouraging natural plant growth and the restoration of native fauna, to balance the environment, literally from the sky down to the smallest microbes in the soil. Ensure all inputs are compatible with organic practice. Hout Baai Farm strives to be a symbol of quality, character and total harmony with and sustainability of its environment and community.

Organic Production provides a healthy workplace for employees, who as a consequence, are free from the dangerous chemicals used in conventional agriculture. In propagating the notion of care of the soil, plants and animals on a farm, workers are made aware of the ethic of responsible land use. The large number of wild animals that give birth, nest and live daily at Hout Baai Farm, require a special level of tolerance. This farm’s staff are converted to care and respect for these creatures (including snakes), imbuing them with compassion which is positive education. The staff takes great pleasure in reporting sightings of animals and birds.