Keeping to tradition, Craig and Carla Hawkins of TESTALONGA are the last big release of our year.
If you’re a TESTALONGA groupie, you’d be expecting the usual 19 wines all at once, and have to choose which wines you buy. This year the youthful Baby Banditos (now including the two Ninja pet-nats) and the Mielies are up for sale now. The release of the more serious El Bandito and Bandits Kloof wines will be available later in 2026.
The 2025 vintage:
Exceptional Freshness & Longevity: The 2025 vintage showcases a better natural acidity and lower pH compared to 2024. This key attribute ensures that these releases will last longer, offering an appealing trajectory for those who cellar the wines.
Structured and Concentrated: The 2025s are tighter and less immediately open in their youth than previous years. This initial structure hints at their depth and long-term potential.
The Evolution of Style: Following the lessons learned during the 2015 drought, the winemaking has consistently adapted. Since the 2021 vintage, the wines have been leaning towards a style that is more fleshy and texturally complete, balancing freshness with richness.
At the heart of every TESTALONGA bottle is a simple, clear message from Craig:
“I just want people to drink wine and enjoy it.“
This philosophy underscores the entire range, especially these two lines, which consistently overdeliver on what are meant to be entry-level wines.
The 2025 Baby Bandito and Mielie Ranges are expressive of their origin, and above all, genuinely delicious and enjoyable to share.
The Wines:
R2,430.00Original price was: R2,430.00.R2,308.50Current price is: R2,308.50.Add to basket
TESTALONGA Mielies + Baby Banditos Vintage 2025 Mixed Case
5% discount and free delivery included!
12-bottle mixed case from TESTALONGA, featuring their vibrant 2025 Mielies and Baby Banditos.
This case is a perfect snapshot of winemaker Craig Hawkins’ philosophy, offering crisp Chenin Blanc, energetic Cinsaut, and playful Pet Nats.
Perfect for the Swartland obsessed.
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘I am the Ninja’ Pet Nat 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘I Wish I Was a Ninja’ Pet Nat 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Mielie Green Chenin Blanc 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Mielie Magenta Grenache 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Keep on Punching’ Chenin Blanc 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Follow Your Dreams’ Carignan 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Stay Brave’ Skin Contact Chenin Blanc 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Chin Up’ Cinsaut 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'I am the Ninja' Pet Nat 2025
Sourced from three organically-farmed vineyards Kweperfontein, Hillside, and Rietveld. Made using 85% direct-press and 15% skin-fermented juice for natural texture. Aged 8 months in concrete and old oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal SO2. A vibrant, balanced, and authentic expression of the vintage.
The Mielie Chenin 2025 is a vibrant Swartland blend, designed to be drunk and enjoyed immediately. Sourced from dryland, organically farmed Chenin Blanc (1972/2001 old vines) and a touch of Macabeo, from granitic and sandstone soils, the wine is tight, clean, and possesses fantastic aromatics with notable salty and creamy green elements. The extremely cool 2025 growing season yielded a wine of excellent balance and high natural acidity. It was aged 11 months on gross lees, predominantly in stainless steel with the balance in foudre, ensuring purity and texture.
“Includes a dash of Macabeo. Two-thirds matured in stainless-steel tank, one-third in foudre. Very fragrant with notes of flowers, herbs, citrus and peach. The palate is clean, fresh and pithy, almost steely.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
The Mielie Grenache 2025 is a landmark bottling: the first vintage exclusively from the farm’s own young-vine Grenache (planted 2018), and it is already over-delivering on quality, fast becoming a cult classic. The wine achieves exactly what was intended—a pure, fruit-driven expression described as “Beaujolais-esque.” Sourced from dryland, organically farmed bush vines rooted in decomposed shale and sandstone, the 2025 vintage was exceptional. Defined by a record wet winter and an extremely cool growing season, the grapes yielded pure fruit with high natural acidity.
“Destemmed and matured in concrete. Wild berry, flowers and herbs on the notes while the palate shows pure fruit, snappy acidity and grippy tannins. More substance than the price might lead you to expect. ” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'Keep on Punching' Chenin Blanc 2025
A profound single-vineyard expression of Swartland Chenin Blanc, exclusively from a historic site in Piketberg. Planted in 1961, 4-hectares of dryland, organically farmed bush vines in sandstone soils at 100m altitude. The wine’s complexity comes from six different, strategic harvest picks in late January, resulting in a subtle yet concentrated and punchy profile. After whole bunch pressing, the wine undergoes natural full malolactic fermentation and is aged for 11 months on its gross lees in Foudre and Stainless Steel, ensuring depth and texture alongside freshness.
“From a Piketberg vineyard planted in 1961. Two-thirds matured in stainless-steel tank, one-third in foudre. The nose shows pear, peach, talc and dried herbs. The palate is linear and energetic – great fruit definition and a super-dry finish.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
A skin-contact Chenin Blanc, a radical expression of Paardeberg terroir designed to be oxidative, structured, and complex. From 1981-planted bush vines on decomposed granite at 150m, this wine benefits from the site’s natural tendency to yield more tannin and structure. The grapes were destemmed and underwent a significant 14-day fermentation on skins before being pressed and allowed to finish fermentation and malolactic conversion in inert fibreglass tanks, no wood was used in the aging process. This long lees aging (11 months) results in a wine that is golden in colour, and with tight, chalky tannins.
“Fermented on skins for 14 days. Matured in fibre glass tank. Subtle notes of cut apple, orange, ginger and spice. The palate is edgy in the best, most refreshing way with zippy acidity and a lightly grippy finish.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
A calculated and complex red built on a the hopes to consistently over-deliver, representing a focus on quality and structure. From 1981-planted, dryland bush vines in Paardeberg, on decomposed granite, the core Cinsaut is co-fermented with 10% Tannat – the “ace of spades” – specifically included for enhanced acidity, stability, and crucial structure.
The grapes were destemmed and gently worked for two weeks before the wine spent 11 months aging on fine lees in a large concrete tank. This process yields a tactile wine with a great mouthfeel and a playful quality that is light-bodied yet surprisingly moreish.
“Matured for 11 months in concrete. Overtly perfumed with cranberry and floral notes. Light-bodied and pure, with zippy acidity and the faintest tannic grip. Cheerful, uncomplicated and made for early drinking.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Follow Your Dreams’ Carignan 2025
The Follow Your Dreams Carignan 2025 is the result of significant effort invested into the red wine program, designed to highlight the variety’s pure fruit and the unique structure offered by Paardeberg’s terroir. The grapes are 100% whole-bunch fermented to maximize freshness and complexity. The wine is then aged for 11 months exclusively in a concrete tank (labeled as 100% CONCRETE), a practice that preserves its pure, rustic character and ensures the finished wine is vibrant and full of personality.
“From the Paardeberg. Fermented 100% whole-bunch and matured for 11 months in concrete. The nose shows red and black berries, a faint playdough note, herbs and spice. The palate is vinous and energetic, with snappy acidity and rustic, slightly coarse tannins – a wine full of personality.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
Tasty TESTALONGA!
Keeping to tradition, Craig and Carla Hawkins of TESTALONGA are the last big release of our year.
If you’re a TESTALONGA groupie, you’d be expecting the usual 19 wines all at once, and have to choose which wines you buy. This year the youthful Baby Banditos (now including the two Ninja pet-nats) and the Mielies are up for sale now. The release of the more serious El Bandito and Bandits Kloof wines will be available later in 2026.
The 2025 vintage:
Exceptional Freshness & Longevity: The 2025 vintage showcases a better natural acidity and lower pH compared to 2024. This key attribute ensures that these releases will last longer, offering an appealing trajectory for those who cellar the wines.
Structured and Concentrated: The 2025s are tighter and less immediately open in their youth than previous years. This initial structure hints at their depth and long-term potential.
The Evolution of Style: Following the lessons learned during the 2015 drought, the winemaking has consistently adapted. Since the 2021 vintage, the wines have been leaning towards a style that is more fleshy and texturally complete, balancing freshness with richness.
At the heart of every TESTALONGA bottle is a simple, clear message from Craig:
“I just want people to drink wine and enjoy it.“
This philosophy underscores the entire range, especially these two lines, which consistently overdeliver on what are meant to be entry-level wines.
The 2025 Baby Bandito and Mielie Ranges are expressive of their origin, and above all, genuinely delicious and enjoyable to share.
The Wines:
R2,430.00Original price was: R2,430.00.R2,308.50Current price is: R2,308.50.Add to basketTESTALONGA Mielies + Baby Banditos Vintage 2025 Mixed Case
5% discount and free delivery included!
12-bottle mixed case from TESTALONGA, featuring their vibrant 2025 Mielies and Baby Banditos.
This case is a perfect snapshot of winemaker Craig Hawkins’ philosophy, offering crisp Chenin Blanc, energetic Cinsaut, and playful Pet Nats.
Perfect for the Swartland obsessed.
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘I am the Ninja’ Pet Nat 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘I Wish I Was a Ninja’ Pet Nat 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Mielie Green Chenin Blanc 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Mielie Magenta Grenache 2025 (1 bottle)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Keep on Punching’ Chenin Blanc 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Follow Your Dreams’ Carignan 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Stay Brave’ Skin Contact Chenin Blanc 2025 (2 bottles)
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Chin Up’ Cinsaut 2025 (2 bottles)
R225.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'I Wish I Was a Ninja' Pet Nat 2025
Chenin Blanc 95%, Cinsault 5%
A pétillant naturel made from 100% Pinotage. This is a single ferment sparkling wine (not a twice fermented like MCC).
The palate is light and ethereal, with just enough fruit weight to carry the acid and bubbles. Dry, refreshing and a really good time.
R225.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'I am the Ninja' Pet Nat 2025
Sourced from three organically-farmed vineyards Kweperfontein, Hillside, and Rietveld. Made using 85% direct-press and 15% skin-fermented juice for natural texture. Aged 8 months in concrete and old oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal SO2. A vibrant, balanced, and authentic expression of the vintage.
R170.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Mielie 'Green' Chenin Blanc 2025
The Mielie Chenin 2025 is a vibrant Swartland blend, designed to be drunk and enjoyed immediately. Sourced from dryland, organically farmed Chenin Blanc (1972/2001 old vines) and a touch of Macabeo, from granitic and sandstone soils, the wine is tight, clean, and possesses fantastic aromatics with notable salty and creamy green elements. The extremely cool 2025 growing season yielded a wine of excellent balance and high natural acidity. It was aged 11 months on gross lees, predominantly in stainless steel with the balance in foudre, ensuring purity and texture.
“Includes a dash of Macabeo. Two-thirds matured in stainless-steel tank, one-third in foudre. Very fragrant with notes of flowers, herbs, citrus and peach. The palate is clean, fresh and pithy, almost steely.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
R170.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Mielie 'Magenta' Grenache 2025
The Mielie Grenache 2025 is a landmark bottling: the first vintage exclusively from the farm’s own young-vine Grenache (planted 2018), and it is already over-delivering on quality, fast becoming a cult classic. The wine achieves exactly what was intended—a pure, fruit-driven expression described as “Beaujolais-esque.” Sourced from dryland, organically farmed bush vines rooted in decomposed shale and sandstone, the 2025 vintage was exceptional. Defined by a record wet winter and an extremely cool growing season, the grapes yielded pure fruit with high natural acidity.
“Destemmed and matured in concrete. Wild berry, flowers and herbs on the notes while the palate shows pure fruit, snappy acidity and grippy tannins. More substance than the price might lead you to expect. ” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
R205.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'Keep on Punching' Chenin Blanc 2025
A profound single-vineyard expression of Swartland Chenin Blanc, exclusively from a historic site in Piketberg. Planted in 1961, 4-hectares of dryland, organically farmed bush vines in sandstone soils at 100m altitude. The wine’s complexity comes from six different, strategic harvest picks in late January, resulting in a subtle yet concentrated and punchy profile. After whole bunch pressing, the wine undergoes natural full malolactic fermentation and is aged for 11 months on its gross lees in Foudre and Stainless Steel, ensuring depth and texture alongside freshness.
“From a Piketberg vineyard planted in 1961. Two-thirds matured in stainless-steel tank, one-third in foudre. The nose shows pear, peach, talc and dried herbs. The palate is linear and energetic – great fruit definition and a super-dry finish.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
R205.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'Stay Brave' Skin Contact Chenin 2025
A skin-contact Chenin Blanc, a radical expression of Paardeberg terroir designed to be oxidative, structured, and complex. From 1981-planted bush vines on decomposed granite at 150m, this wine benefits from the site’s natural tendency to yield more tannin and structure. The grapes were destemmed and underwent a significant 14-day fermentation on skins before being pressed and allowed to finish fermentation and malolactic conversion in inert fibreglass tanks, no wood was used in the aging process. This long lees aging (11 months) results in a wine that is golden in colour, and with tight, chalky tannins.
“Fermented on skins for 14 days. Matured in fibre glass tank. Subtle notes of cut apple, orange, ginger and spice. The palate is edgy in the best, most refreshing way with zippy acidity and a lightly grippy finish.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
R205.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito 'Chin Up' Cinsaut 2025
A calculated and complex red built on a the hopes to consistently over-deliver, representing a focus on quality and structure. From 1981-planted, dryland bush vines in Paardeberg, on decomposed granite, the core Cinsaut is co-fermented with 10% Tannat – the “ace of spades” – specifically included for enhanced acidity, stability, and crucial structure.
The grapes were destemmed and gently worked for two weeks before the wine spent 11 months aging on fine lees in a large concrete tank. This process yields a tactile wine with a great mouthfeel and a playful quality that is light-bodied yet surprisingly moreish.
“Matured for 11 months in concrete. Overtly perfumed with cranberry and floral notes. Light-bodied and pure, with zippy acidity and the faintest tannic grip. Cheerful, uncomplicated and made for early drinking.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
R205.00Add to basket
TESTALONGA Baby Bandito ‘Follow Your Dreams’ Carignan 2025
The Follow Your Dreams Carignan 2025 is the result of significant effort invested into the red wine program, designed to highlight the variety’s pure fruit and the unique structure offered by Paardeberg’s terroir. The grapes are 100% whole-bunch fermented to maximize freshness and complexity. The wine is then aged for 11 months exclusively in a concrete tank (labeled as 100% CONCRETE), a practice that preserves its pure, rustic character and ensures the finished wine is vibrant and full of personality.
“From the Paardeberg. Fermented 100% whole-bunch and matured for 11 months in concrete. The nose shows red and black berries, a faint playdough note, herbs and spice. The palate is vinous and energetic, with snappy acidity and rustic, slightly coarse tannins – a wine full of personality.” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
READ MORE ABOUT TESTALONGA WINES