Tim Atkin MW’s annual South Africa Special Report has landed, bringing fresh attention to the people, places and wines shaping the country’s wine industry. Scores never tell the whole story, but they can put deserving wines in front of a much wider audience. For independent producers working with distinctive vineyards, often in small quantities, that [...]
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Tim Atkin | South Africa Report 2026
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Second Labels by Great South African Winemakers
“Second label” is useful shorthand. It is also slightly misleading. The phrase can make a wine sound like the leftovers from a grander bottle: the fruit that did not make the cut, wearing a "cheaper jacket". That is not what is happening with wines such as Van Loggerenberg’s Break A Leg, Trizanne Barnard’s TSW range, [...] More -
South African Wine Grapes: 10 Varieties You Need to Know
South Africa’s vineyards are home to a remarkably diverse range of grape varieties, shaped by more than 360 years of winemaking history and one of the most varied wine landscapes in the world. From old bush vines growing in the dry soils of the Swartland to Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the slopes of Stellenbosch and [...] More -
3 x 97 Points from Van Loggerenberg Wines 2025
As Lukas van Loggerenberg reflects on his tenth vintage under his own label, it is not the milestone itself that stands out, but the sense of privilege that accompanies it. Privilege to work with extraordinary old vineyards. Privilege to learn from the families who have farmed them for generations. And privilege, above all, to continue [...] More -
The Foundry Has New Vintages | August 2026
There are few South African winemakers with a track record like Chris Williams. Over the past three decades, he's earned a reputation for making some of the country's most respected wines, first at Meerlust and, since 2001, through his own label, The Foundry. Named after the old foundry buildings in Paarl where the wines were [...] More -
Introduction to South African Wine
Saturday, 12 September 2026 10:30 – 13:00 Ex Animo Wine Co. HQ 145 Sir Lowry Road, The Palms Centre, Level 2, Woodstock R495.00Read more Ever stood in front of a wall of wine bottles with no idea what to choose? Wondered what people actually mean when they talk about notes of blackberry, minerality or tannins? [...] More -
TESTALONGA’S Latest Pét-Nat Release
Some wines are made to be enjoyed young. Others simply refuse to follow the rules. Craig and Carla Hawkins of TESTALONGA have never been one for convention, and his latest release is proof that even their most playful wines can surprise. Introducing 'Thirty Three Ninja's' and '33 Ninja's'; two familiar Pét-Nats that have spent an [...] More -
TESTALONGA in July | Vintage 2025 El Bandito release
"Poised and intensely flavoured, this is a wine of very clean lines that goes on and on." TESTALONGA El Bandito 'Cortez' 2025 98/100 - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za TESTALONGA is proud to share its 2025 vintage release, marking another important chapter for Craig and Carla Hawkins and their ongoing journey at Bandits Kloof. Having called the [...] More -
A Short Guide to South Africa’s Wine Regions
Like all great wine-producing countries, South Africa is defined by its regions. Stretching from the cool Atlantic coastline to the arid interior, the country's vineyards are shaped by an extraordinary diversity of climates, soils and landscapes. This remarkable variety allows South Africa to produce everything from elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to powerful Cabernet [...] More -
South Africa’s Best Value Reds
Finding an exceptional bottle of red wine doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. South Africa is home to some of the world's finest wine regions, producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage and red blends that deliver outstanding quality without breaking the bank. Great red wine doesn't have to come with a premium price tag. [...] More