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Catherine Marshall Wines

Catherine Marshall Wines

Catherine Marshall, one of the original South African Garagistes, has evolved to become a premium artisanal producer of fine wines. Catherine’s winemaking philosophy is to create wines from vineyards that produce fruit of great purity, and which express the geographical nuances and character of each site. She then applies minimal and thoughtful intervention in the cellar, so that each wine reflects the very essence of its origins.

Catherine Marshall Wines is nestled firmly in the world-renowned Elgin Valley - the bountiful home of much of South Africa's finest fruit produce. Elgin is surrounded by majestic mountains, yet it is only 30 minutes away from the ocean. All of nature’s beauty abounds in this place, creating the perfect conditions for a great harvest.

Catherine Marshall graduated from Elsenburg in 1991. Apprenticeships at Blaauwklippen, Delaire and Vergelegen were interspersed with international experiences in France (Burgundy and Saint-Émilion), USA (Sonoma County and Oregon) and Australia. Resident winemaking positions followed at Meinert/Ken Forrester Winery, Amani and Ridgeback Wines before embarking on a solo career when she established and ran Catherine Marshall Wines.

The inspiration to set up a small winemaking project occurred after a foot-crush celebration in 1996. It produced a bottling of three barrels of delicious Syrah which was distributed amongst the party revellers. In 1997, the company was formally inaugurated as the Barefoot Wine Company. At this time, she was instrumental in formalising the Garagiste Movement which has gone on to become very successful in South Africa, with many small producers becoming involved. Although she no longer participates, she has been inducted as an honorary member.

As cellar master at various wineries, Catherine Marshall has garnered many local and international awards and 5 star Platter ratings. This resulted in the launch of her small yet enterprising operation, where a hands-on philosophy in the vineyards and total dedication to quality production are the focus.

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