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 [...]
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South African Wine Grapes: 10 Varieties You Need to Know
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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 -
Is the Boland comparable to the Rhône?
France's Rhône Valley has long been associated with varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Viognier and Roussanne. Over the last few decades, these same varieties have become increasingly important in South Africa, particularly in the Mediterranean climates of the Western Cape. Although separated by geography and history, both regions share conditions that favour Rhône varieties. Warm, [...] More -
Platter’s 2026 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. If you know anything about South African [...] More -
Neal Martin 90+ Scoring Wines of 2025
Neal Martin, 2020 Worlds best wine critic of the year, is a senior editor at Vinous.com. His specialty and interests are in Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as South African and New Zealand wines. ― Neal Martin, Vinous Neal Martin is celebrated for his unbiased and candid assessments. He doesn't hesitate to critique wines that [...] More -
The Foundry and Geographica 2025
Chris Williams and his business partner James Reid started The Foundry Wines in 2001. Initially sourcing fruit from across Stellenbosch, the duo shifted focus in 2009 when James purchased a farm in the Voor-Paardeberg. From the 2023 vintage all wines have been made from grapes on the farm. The Foundry specialises in single-varietal wines that [...] More -
Geographica | Vintage 2020
GEOGRAPHICA by The FoundryVintage 2020 Chris Williams of The Foundry has just released the newest super-premium wines from Stellenbosch WO: GEOGRAPHICA. Having spent many years as the Cellarmaster at MEERLUST, and thus responsible for making the iconic RUBICON every year, Chris has an intimate knowledge of Stellenbosch terroir. As the name suggests, the GEOGRAPHICA wines [...] More -
NEW: The Foundry Grenache Blanc 2021
THE FOUNDRY GRENACHE BLANC 2021by Chris Williams The Foundry label was established by Chris Williams (before he joined Meerlust as Head Winemaker) in 2001. He made the first vintage at Joostenberg Wines in an old farm workshop that became affectionately known as “The Foundry”. The Grenache Blanc, being a multiple Platter’s 5 Star award winner, [...] More -
Joostenberg & The Foundry Celebrate 20 Years
20 years on... Please join Tyrrel Myburgh from Joostenberg, Chris Williams of The Foundry, and David Clarke from Ex Animo Wine Co. to celebrate a 20 year anniversary! Chris and Tyrrel’s paths first crossed while sharing cellar space at Joostenberg in 2001. 20 years later and it’s time to reminisce, share new vintages and have [...] More -
Wine Lunch | Dainty Bess x The Foundry x Jardine
A beautiful day in Stellenbosch, full of glorious food and wine Please join Jane Ferriera-Eedes of Dainty Bess MCC, Chris Williams of The Foundry, and Ex Animo Wine Co. at the incomparable Jardine Food & Wine Bar in central Stellenbosch for what promises to be a wonderful lunch. Jane and Chris will guide us through [...] More