Few countries have had as fraught a wine-producing history as South Africa but we can say with confidence that there are some brilliant shifts happening in the South African wine scene. New producers are making some truly thrilling wines, and the fine wine-drinking world is waking up to the treasures of South Africa. 

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Unfortunately the industry has many issues left to resolve. Bulk wine still dominates, which drags down the national reputation. Because of this, profitability is a huge problem for both producers and grape growers, who struggle to command sustainable sums for their products. Racial inequity continues to cause strife, and political and economic instability has resulted in a fair amount of market insecurity.

 

Yet an increasing number of social and economic programs are being put in place to correct for past ills, and the high quality and often undeniable individuality of contemporary wines are attracting new markets and demographics, many of whom lack the biases of previous generations and are happy to pay a premium for South African wine. This is good news for the industry as a whole, but especially for the country’s top tier of producers, whose efforts deserve a place among the world’s most celebrated wines.

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There is increasing interest in soils and which grapes to grow where, reds are changing and we are now seeing a broader range of styles, grapes and new vineyard regions.

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Chenin Blanc is without a doubt the most important white grape variety in South Africa, and Pinotage, well it's their own unique grape that strikes fear into even the most seasoned wine professional. However, there is an amazing host of other grape varieties to be found here such as the mainstays Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Pinot Noir and the list goes on and on!

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This tasting will include nine specially chosen premium fine wines from some of the producers mentioned above and others, all of which are readily available.