Okay, let’s set the scene: You’ve just splurged on a bottle of fine wine, ready to treat yourself like the sophisticated connoisseur you are. But then—you reach for a glass, and it’s... a basic coffee mug? Yikes. So, does the glass really make a difference, or is it just a fancy piece of crystal? Let’s [...]
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The Glass Test: A Wine Glass Review
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Dry January: Embrace the Dry
Welcome to Dry January - Ex Animo style, where our New Year’s resolution is simple: keep it dry. If you thought this was a time for fresh starts and wholesome detoxes, think again. Clearly we're having a bit of fun with this, and if your wine isn’t as dry as your sense of humour, you’re [...] More -
The Bandits Are Back | TESTALONGA vintage 2024 Release
Craig and Carla Hawkins of TESTALONGA are ready for their annual release. TESTALONGA is based in the northern Swartland and produces wines that are among the most unique and sought-after currently coming out of South Africa. These wines find themselves on the lists of some of the best restaurants and wine bars in the world. [...] More -
Craven Summer Release 2024
Mick and Jeanine Craven, the passionate pair behind Craven Wines, began their winemaking journey in 2013 with a clear vision: to capture the essence of Stellenbosch. The Cravens work exclusively within the Stellenbosch WO, working with a select group of grape growers and making a set of single vineyard wines in such a way as [...] More -
Three Expressions of Alsace: Julien Schaal’s 2023 Grand Cru Rieslings
Julien and Sophie Schaal are on a roll at the moment, fresh off their Pinot Noir of the Year award from Platter's, they were in South Africa recently to launch their 2023 Alsace Grands Crus. They have now moved into their new Hunawihr winery, overlooking Clos St. Hune. The Julien Schaal label reserved for the range [...] More -
Spioenkop | December 2024 Release
Koen Roose is a qualified engineer and former sommelier with a clear vision for the wines he creates. A Belgian native, he now farms a hilltop vineyard in the heart of Elgin, South Africa, where he planted vines in the early 2000s. His wines are a beautiful expression of his European heritage, while also showcasing [...] More -
Restless River | 2024 release
We love November here at Ex Animo, as it is when we introduce the new Restless River vintages to South Africa every year. In 2024 Craig and Anne Wessels are celebrating Restless River's 20 year anniversary. A truly phenomenal achievement from a first generation wine family. "Ambitious, meticulous, dedicated."― Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za There have been some very positive changes [...] More -
Platter’s 2025 Awards
Platter's Wine Guide is your ultimate passport to the world of South African wine. This comprehensive resource offers detailed reviews of thousands of wines, from beloved classics to innovative new blends. It details the stories behind South Africa's most celebrated wineries, explaining their history, philosophy, and winemaking techniques. Whether you're new to wine or a [...] More -
Vulpes | First vintage with Ex Animo 2024
We are delighted to announce the release of a new producer to Ex Animo Wine Co.: Vulpes Wines by Nuschka de Vos. Nuschka grew up on an organic farm in the Western Cape and has always been aware of the importance of sustainable farming. She has always wanted to make a wine which would satisfy [...] More -
Lourens Family Wines | Vintage 2023 release
"A vintage of sophistication and nuance."― Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za We're very excited to share the vintage 2023 wines from Lourens Family Wines are now available. Lourens Family Wines is run by the jovial winemaker Franco 'Poenie' Lourens. He sources fruit from Stellenbosch, Swartland, and particularly Piekenierskloof for his wines. He is enamoured with the unique flavours [...] More