Why it matters
The producer
Ginny Povall moved from Massachusetts to South Africa and planted the first vines for Botanica Wines at Protea Heights. The house makes Arboretum, Big Flower, Flowergirl and the Mary Delany Collection.
The farm combines regenerative agriculture with no till farming. No till leaves soil undisturbed and supports carbon capture. The portfolio spans a Bordeaux blend and red and white varietal wines.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Protea Heights sits in Devon Valley, in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Cooling afternoon breezes arrive from False Bay and reduce summer temperatures by over 10 degrees. The lower heat gives the vines a cooler part of the day during the warm summer months.
The Mary Delany Collection is sourced from unique vineyard sites throughout the Cape. Protea Heights is the home estate, while the collection extends beyond that property.
Wines to know
The range in view
Arboretum 2017 is a red Bordeaux blend from Coastal Region. Big Flower Merlot 2021 is a red Merlot from Coastal Region with 14.5% alcohol. Flowergirl Albariño 2025 is a white wine from Coastal Region.
The Mary Delany Collection includes Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Pinot Noir. The Mary Delany Chenin Blanc 2022 carries Olifants River, while The Mary Delany Semillon 2018 carries Cape South Coast. Big Flower is sourced from estate fruit.