Located at the southeastern tip of Stellenbosch, Journey’s End estate is a gem facing the Atlantic Ocean, under the watchful eye of Helderberg Mountain, which translates to ‘shining mountain’ in Afrikaans. The vineyards here benefit from a unique terroir, with 350-million-year-old decomposed granite soils and the cooling sea breeze from False Bay, locally referred to as the ‘Cape Doctor’.
A Commitment to Terroir-Driven Winemaking
Founded by the Gabb family in 1996 after relocating from Shropshire, the Journey’s End winery aims to create wines that reflect the land's distinct characteristics. Winemaker Mike Dawson emphasizes that the primary goal is to produce terroir-driven wines with minimal manipulation. This dedication to authenticity ensures that every bottle truly represents the unique qualities of the Stellenbosch region.
Sustainability at the Heart of Winemaking
Journey’s End not only excels in producing exquisite wines but is also deeply committed to sustainability and environmental preservation. The estate is home to 10,500 spekboom plants, renowned for their carbon-capturing properties. The winery’s operations are also designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. For instance, waste water at the winery is treated and recycled, and rainwater is captured for drip irrigation, reducing pressure on local water resources.
Journey’s End was a frontrunner in adopting renewable energy, becoming the second winery in South Africa to convert to solar power. The roofs of the cellars are covered in solar panels, and recent installations of an enormous inverter and battery station ensure the estate remains off-grid, even on cloudy days.
Empowering Local Communities
Journey’s End extends its sustainable practices to community care through the Journey’s End Foundation. Established during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the foundation tackles hunger and poverty in local communities by running six female-operated soup kitchens. These kitchens provide nutritious meals to anyone in need, contributing to over five million meals distributed to date. Additionally, the foundation supports educational initiatives and community outreach programs addressing bullying and gender-based violence.
The winery’s ethos is summarized by Mike Dawson’s belief that they are merely custodians of the land, with a responsibility to future generations. This mindset drives Journey’s End to innovate and implement practices that benefit both the environment and society.
Journey’s End continues to evolve its community and environmental projects, ensuring a sustainable future for all. To explore more about their remarkable journey, visit Quincy.
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