Five (actually 9!) new reasons to be excited about South African Wine this Spring.

We like to work with suppliers who have a particular passion or specialty that runs through their selection. We love to share wines that we feel a connection to, and so we work with people who have great relationships with the wineries they represent. Through understanding their  A couple of years ago, we were introduced to a great South African specialist - and the wines were stunning.

A brief history of South African Wine

South African wine has a fascinating story. The country's wine industry began in the 17th century when Dutch settlers established vineyards in the Cape, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that South African wines began to gain serious international recognition. The end of apartheid in the 1990s opened the country to the world market, and winemakers who had been isolated for decades suddenly had access to global expertise, investment, and distribution channels. This created a unique moment: established estates with centuries of heritage could finally share their work internationally, whilst a new generation of independent winemakers emerged with fresh ideas and ambition.

Today, South Africa's wine scene is thriving precisely because of this blend of old and new. You'll find family estates that have been perfecting their craft for generations alongside young, innovative producers experimenting with forgotten grape varieties and natural winemaking techniques. The country's diverse terroirs - from the cool-climate regions of Elgin and Walker Bay to the warmer Swartland and Stellenbosch - mean there's remarkable diversity in what's being produced. Independent winemakers can establish themselves here in ways that might be harder in more saturated markets; there's room for experimentation, for small-batch releases, for wines that tell a story beyond the label.

Why We Love South African Wines

We've always loved wine from South Africa, and what excites us most is how the industry continues to evolve. The quality-to-value remains exceptional, and there's a real sense of winemakers pushing boundaries whilst respecting tradition. So, with that in mind we decided it was time to share these wines that had us all excited with you.

Here are the new South African wines that we'll be enjoying this spring and beyond)

Available by the glass for a limited time:

Our sites in the North West all offer a rotating selection of wines by the glass. These are the South African wines we'll be pouring during April. Check our Instagram for new wine alerts. 

The Forager Red 2022 - £15

Available by the glass in our bars for a limited time. A blend of Shiraz and Grenache, this is a great, punchy red for the money. Very fruity, yes, but with gamey and toasty notes that give it real character and depth. It'll keep for a few days once opened if stored cool - a wine that rewards patience.

Dornier Cocoa Hill Chenin Blanc 2025 - £16.50

Available by the glass in our bars for a limited time. Cocoa Hill sits in the fold of Stellenbosch Mountain, where red granite soils dominate, though some grapes come from Swartland, lending extra freshness. Despite some time in French oak, this Chenin remains electric and fruity - exactly the kind of wine our customers love.

McFarlane Capitoline Wolf White Blend - £21.50

Available by the glass in our bars for a limited time. A blend of Chenin and Semillon - not common, but it works beautifully here. Alexandra picks early to preserve freshness, then uses extended lees contact to build flavour and moreishness. Fermented in large old French barrels and aged for six months. The nose is ripe and generous, but the palate stays vibrant and fresh with stone fruits and a hint of ginger. The acidity is superb and holds everything in perfect balance.

Buyer's Choice - New South African Wines you have to try...

ALTO Rouge 2022 - £18.50

From Stellenbosch. This is the 100th vintage of this wine, and the estate has seen just five winemakers in a century - a testament to consistency. It comes from the Helderberg (Clear Mountain), a microclimate that produces more structured, Bordeaux-like wines. The blend is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. If you've enjoyed our Mentors Orchestra, you'll find a kindred spirit here.

Waterford Antigo 2021 - £23

Also from Helderberg, Stellenbosch, this Cabernet-Shiraz blend takes a different approach. More serious and elegant, with a ripe fruit profile, spicy freshness, and peppery dark fruits. Really excellent stuff.

Stellenbosch Vineyard Bush Vines Chenin Blanc 2024

From a négociant-style cooperative wine farm. This Chenin is insanely good for the money and was still drinking beautifully on day five. It's a richer style yet remarkably fresh -electric on the palate. Pronounced fruitiness, ripe and juicy with honey and vanilla notes. There's a lot happening on the palate. We'd love to offer it by the glass now, but the extra richness makes it better suited to leisurely dinner parties than casual Spring sipping. Still, it's a brilliant wine worth seeking out.

Glenwood Chardonnay 2024 - £17.50

From Franschhoek. For fans of richer white wines. Totally unoaked, but with significant lees contact and stirring -a masterclass in what lees work can achieve without oak influence. Juicy toasted pineapple and cream. We've brought in just 18 bottles to test the waters; it's a personal favourite, though not for everyone. A wonderful study in winemaking technique.

Paul Wallace Elgin Chardonnay "Reflections" 2023 - £26

The successor to our beloved Iona Chardonnay. Beautiful wine. Barrel fermented and aged in 33% new oak. Zippy yellow apple, lemon and lime on the nose, moving to toasted pineapple on the palate with a clean, fresh finish that asks for another sip. Intense, deep, and super lively - balanced and long.

Angus Paul Flight of Furious Fancies Chenin Blanc 2024 - £29

A serious showcase of what truly great South African Chenin can achieve. Single hilltop vineyard, warm climate tempered by battering winds and granite soil that preserves freshness - no irrigation needed. Whole bunch pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation, 11 months in old barrels with no racking or fining. Pure, skillful winemaking. The result is stunning: complex, full of life and vibrant. The label is lovely too, inspired by the old English poem Tom O'Bedlam.

Ready to explore more? Discover our full South African wine collection and find your next spring favourite.