A Brief History of Mischa Estate

Mischa

Fruit trees gradually gave way to new vineyards, and large areas were set aside for the nursery operations. Grapes were delivered to one of the local co-ops but John always harboured a secret desire to make his own wine. However, the ambition had to lie dormant for many years as the pressures of running a successful nursery operation and extensive vineyards consumed the time. The third generation was gradually maturing, however, in the shape of three sons: Andrew, Gareth and Shaun. Sandra and her husband also returned to the farm in the mid-nineties to help with the administrative side of the operations. Andrew, his schooling behind him, joined the team in 1996 and having been inspired by Aunt Sandra's hilarious attempts to make wine in her garage (John egging her on!) he decided to try his hand. With some very primitive equipment, a lot of passion, and much teasing from the family, he surprised all by producing a very drinkable Cabernet ? the die was cast!

Our new range

A brand new cellar, containing state-of-the-art equipment, was constructed and ready for the 2000 vintage. The thrust of the recently named MISCHA ESTATE (the "S" introduced to distinguish the Wine Estate from the Vine Nursery) is the production of quality, classical reds ? Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Production will always be limited, as will the range, in order to concentrate on the high quality that is the aim. Winemaker Andrew's stained T-shirt, baggy shorts, pony-tail and disarmingly casual manner, belie the fact that this is a young man with a mission - to put Mischa Wine Estate "on the map".

With Andrew?s mission to put Mischa on the map he has entered many wine competitions and won Veritas gold (Mischa Shiraz 2000) Fairbairn Gold (Mischa Cabernet 2001) Four stars in UK Decanter magazine (Eventide Cabernet 2000), SA Wine Magazine (Eventide Cabernet 2000) and Platter?s Wine Guide (Mischa Shiraz 1999, Mischa Shiraz 2001, Mischa Cabernet 2001 and Eventide Cabernet 2001) just to name a few.

A new barrel cellar was built beginning of 2004 for the maturation of the wines and was completed end of May 2004. With John wanting to retire, he gradually gave over to his sons Andrew (Winery) and Gareth (Vines Nursery). With this "take over" the son?s decided to change both the Winery ?s trading name and the nursery?s name to MISCHA WINES CC and MISCHA PREMIER VINES CC.

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