Visiting the Clos Malaza Andoaranomainsto Vineyard

Southwest of Fianarantsoa, the Clos Malaza vineyard is located in the village of Ambohimalaza. After 11 km on National Route 7, you travel 20 km on a dirt track through a splendid valley full of greenery and rock, crossing Betsileo villages. At the Clos Malaza estate, 30 hectares of vines are cultivated for an annual yield of approximately 80 tonnes of grapes. It is an economic asset for the rural commune of Andoharanomaitso.

The hybrid grape varieties, imported from the USA—petit boushet, sévillard, chambourcin, and Couderc 13—produce young wines meant to be consumed within two years. The company produces dry white wine, gray wine, rosé, and red wine, as well as pineapple and orange aperitifs, spirits, and liqueurs.

Everything Is Well Organized...

In May, the women of the village till the soil to eliminate weeds, and they also cultivate beans between the vines to provide nitrogen. In August, pruning season marks the beginning of the vine's growing cycle. The much-anticipated harvest period arrives in February. It lasts between 15 to 20 days and provides work for people from surrounding villages. Clos Malaza is an SARL but collaborates with farmers who wish to sell their grape production to it.

Local Production

The wine is produced according to French quality standards. After vinification, wine samples are sent to France for analysis.

Production is exclusively local because harvests are insufficient for export. Glass bottles are imported from France; however, they recycle those already in use for new purposes. Clos Malaza is a beautiful, peaceful place to visit when making a stopover in Fianarantsoa. The estate also offers guestrooms and activities such as canoeing and hiking. It's also an opportunity to meet the Betsileo people and discover their cultures.