Banele Vakele of Tembela Wines is the newest South African producer to join the Vine Street Imports portfolio. He makes a Chenin Blanc and a Syrah, sourced from regions you wouldn’t necessarily expect (Durbanville for the Chenin, an area better known for Sauvignon Blanc, and a nice yin-yang mix for the Syrah from Constantia and the Swartland). In the words of wine critic Tim Atkin, “Banele Vakele is an exciting young winemaker who is rapidly making a name for himself.”

Trizanne Barnard from Trizanne Signature Wines is a force of nature. She's an avid surfer, rock climber, and acclaimed South African winemaker. In her earlier years, she worked as the assistant winemaker for Klein Constantia, and then she helped...

Join us for a walk-through tasting of Australia’s legendary wines, from the timeless classics to the funky fresh. Along the yellow brick road, you’ll find vinous delights from Vine Street Imports, Little Peacock Imports, Hudson Wine Brokers, and Old Bridge Cellars. Weds 9/14 11a – 3p at Terroir (24 Harrison St., New York, NY) Mon […]

Today’s inaugural episode is with Mick Craven of Craven Wines based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Craven Wines is known for their single-vineyard bottlings, and their infamous skin-contact Pinot Gris. In this episode, you’ll hear how Mick got into wine, why he’s doesn’t like the idea of typicity, and why his winery neighbors have learned to come check in on him when he blasts Radiohead.

Lettie Teague went out in search of wines with silly names that still deliver in terms of quality. She wanted real wines made by real winemakers with a sense of humor, not a mass-market brand with a clever marketing team. Our own Lukas van Loggerenberg made the short list with his 2020 Trust Your Gut […]

On September 7, 2022, Vine Street Imports is launching "Stories from the Cellar," the podcast that tells the stories of the small producers from around the world whose wines we import to the United States. From up-and-coming producers to established...

Christy Frank is no stranger to Australian wines and in fact is one of the country’s heartfelt ambassadors.  Christy is deep into the Master of Wine Program, has spotlighted helping Wine Australia over the years, writes for a number of publications and owns a boutique wine shop in the Hudson Valley. Recently Christy broke down […]

Change is inevitable and when it is positive and works out better for everyone, it is a great thing and something to be admired and replicated.  Many winemakers in South Africa are taking this approach with agriculturally and culturally sustainable viticulture and winemaking.  It is understated the importance of paying those farmers that take care […]

Schist is just one of many fabulous soils provide grapevines just enough nutrients to stay alive but also an environment that lends a bit of a struggle as well.  Wine Enthusiast recently highlighted the facets that make schist so unique.  While they didn’t mention South Africa (not going to say lazy journalism 😊), they should […]