In the Swartland summers are hot and dry, with colder, wet winters. Viticulture is practised mostly under dry-land conditions, with minimal irrigation. This, coupled with the Mediterranean climate is ideal for Syrah and Grenache and produces low yields of small but intensely flavoured berries. This area is further distinguished from other wine production regions by virtue of the variety of its soils such as granite, shale, clay, and slate, which lend great structure and diversity to wines grown here. The unique terroir of the Elim ward with its prevailing winds provides a very cool ripening season, ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The area has diverse soils ranging from sandstone, to cold laterite and broken shale, ensuring low yields and imparting minerality, depth and structure to the wines of this area. Elim forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and is an environmentally sensitive area where wine production goes hand in hand with the protection of indigenous species. The area receives approximately 450mm of rainfall per annum and has predominant South Easterly winds in the summer and North Westerly winds during the winter months.