Newton & Johnson

Gordon Newton Johnson’s journey to winemaking was anything but conventional. Although he grew up surrounded by some of South Africa’s pioneering winemakers, with his father, Dave, being one of the founding Cape Wine Masters, Gordon didn’t initially follow the family tradition. After completing an economics degree, his artistic inclinations led him to the world of wine. Deeply inspired by its creative potential, he embarked on a largely self-taught path, with stints in France, California, and New Zealand to refine his understanding before taking over winemaking duties at Newton Johnson in 1999.

Alongside his wife Nadia, who joined as winemaker in 2006, Gordon has crafted wines that reflect their deep passion and holistic approach. The couple’s combined experience, totaling over 30 vintages, has seen Newton Johnson rise to become a South African icon, particularly for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Upper Hemel-en-AardeValley, where their vineyards are located, is a cool-climate region that Gordon and Nadia have carefully nurtured with a philosophy grounded in minimal intervention. They focus on soft, natural winemaking techniques, rejecting commercial additives and allowing the vineyard’s unique character to shine through in the bottle.

Gordon’s meticulous attention to detail has earned Newton Johnson remarkable accolades, including the longest unbroken streak of five-star ratings in the Platter’s Wine Guide. Internationally, their Pinot Noir has received glowing reviews, with scores of 95 points from critics like Jamie Goode and Tim Atkin, solidifying the winery’s place among South Africa’s finest.

Newton Johnson’s Pinot Noir production is a testament to their dedication to quality. The vines are cultivated on decomposed granite soils that contribute to the wine’s elegant structure and minerality. The vineyard’s cool climate and proximity to the ocean allow for longer ripening, ensuring that the fruit develops complex flavors while retaining acidity. In the cellar, Gordon employs a gentle, hands-off approach, preferring to let the wine evolve naturally. The Pinot Noir is aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, with maturation lasting about 11 months. This careful use of oak allows the bright fruit and fresh, savory notes of the Pinot Noir to remain at the forefront while adding subtle texture and depth.

Through a blend of respect for tradition, a holistic understanding of terroir, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Gordon Newton Johnson has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of South African winemaking, particularly in the realm of Pinot Noir.