Though Craig is regarded as a brilliant and innovative winemaker by some (certainly by most, if not all in the Natural Wine world), he his experimentation and uncompromising nature has earned him heavy criticism from some - hence the name: Testalonga El Bandito. (Testalonga was the name of a fellow rebel winemaker (an Italian man, also the name of a bandit from Sicily) who to the horror of his neighbours vinified his reds much like his whites. Craig was inspired by his persistence and asked if he could borrow the man's name for his labels, and he agreed.)

Though Craig and Carla began making wine under the Testalonga label (at Lammershoek Winery) in 2008, it was not until 2014 that they found their 135ha estate in Swartland.

Nestled into the bottom of Olifantsberg mountain, is Craig and Carla Hawkin's farm, known as 'Banditskloof'.

After an arduous process involving clearing land and moving massive boulders, as of 2020 Craig and Carla had planted 4ha of vines on their own land - though they plan to wait awhile to plant more. They continue to purchase fruit from other growers in the region with whom they've enjoyed long, successful relationships.