Dalla Cia, a unique combination of age-old Italian tradition and passion for innovation all began in the 1920s in Friuli, northern Italy, with my grandfather Vittorio Dalla Cia, at the time a wine merchant.
Following his passion he enrolled his youngest son Giorgio, my father, to Italy’s prestigious Scuola Enologica di Conegliano for viticulture and oenology.
My father moved our family to South Africa in 1974 where he was appointed cellamaster at Meerlust Estate in 1978, a position he would hold for a quarter of a century. His name will always be associated with the iconic Meerlust Rubicon, one of the first Bordeaux style blends in South Africa, which earned him many accolades, including South Africa’s Champion Winemaker in 1980 and producer of the best red blend in the world with his 2001 vintage.
In the same year we were launching our maiden vintage of Dalla Cia Sauvignon Blanc. It’s immediate success followed by a Chardonnay inspired me to establish Dalla Cia Wine & Spirit Company, persuade my father to retire from Meerlust and join forces in a vibrant precinct of Stellenbosch, Bosman’s Crossing.
We produce six classically styled wines, elegant and approachable. Our advantage is that we source from the best grape growers in the Stellenbosch area, and ensure consistent high quality wines, built out of respect for the grape and terroir.
George Dalla Cia