Every year more and more incredible South African wineries are putting themselves on the map and winning awards while wowing the world. How can you possibly keep up?
We've scoured the length and breadth of the land and, with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry, identified these 3 wondrous wine brands as the heavy-hitting new kids on the block.
Read on for a wine of the times!
Nestled in the Stellenbosch region of the Cape winelands lies a hidden gem, owned and controlled by empowered women:
Ses’fikile
.
It means “we have arrived” and this pioneering exploration of new South African opportunity aims to deliver by the barrel-load.
“We are a bunch of people with enthusiasm, passion and adventure. We are dedicated to growing and crafting beautiful wine, never substitute integrity for fashion and every wine in the range represents our pride and commitment to do better” says Ses'fikile and their wines show it. Informed by the three centuries of winemaking history in South Africa combining a state of the art, gravity-flow cellar with ancient winemaking philosophy, Ses'fikile strives for authentic wine of uncompromising quality.
Try their crisp Chenin Blanc/Roussanne, Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh melon aromas or their soft and subtle Shiraz/Cinsault blend for a taste of the African Renaissance.
All hail the King! Bayede!
Wines are made under the royal warrant of King Goodwill Zwelithini and as such is committed to the highest standards of quality and excellence. Based on the philosophy of job creation opportunities which not only provide sustainable jobs but also empower people through skills transfer and capacity building, their stated goal is “to be the number one internationally recognised African brand in the next eight years”.
Value-added beadwork, employing six beading groups countrywide, is used on all Bayede! products making them uniquely desirable and with their wines available nationwide in cases of six, offering free delivery straight to your door, this winery is already making strong moves in the right direction.
Uthokozani wines from the community of Diemersfontein.
The same folks who brought you that infamous chocolate Pinotage, launched Thokozani, meaning “a celebration”, in 2007 with 35 staff shareholders and a central focus on training and development as an absolute necessity to economic empowerment. While their scrumptious SMV is the only wine still available in their Thokozani Range, you'll have no problem finding their delightful Ovation wines on a shelf near you.
You can taste wines from all 3 of these wondrous estates and so many more in Winter WINEderland brought to you by TOPS at SPAR and presented by the Cape Times from 12 to 14 July at Sun Exhibits, GrandWest.
We're on a trip around the country to take your taste-buds on tour in a land where exploring is never boring. Don't miss out, we have everything for every-wine from sommeliers to sommer regular folks.