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South Africa
‘The Best Value White Wine You’re Not Drinking Yet’
For Food & Wine, Ray Isle rounds up many Chenin Blancs from around the world that overdeliver for their price. “In sommelier-land, Chenin Blanc is unquestionably one of the favorites of the moment,” Isle writes. “But head out into the world of regular U.S. wine drinkers, and this white variety remains one of the least familiar […]
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South Africa
Meet South African Cinsault, Your Next Red Wine Crush
South African Cinsault is having its moment in the sun. “What truly sets modern South African Cinsault apart,” writes Food & Wine contributor Lauren Buzzeo, “is its adaptability.” She praises Craven Cinsaut for showcasing “the grape’s delicate, Pinot-like charm,” and calls Mother Rock’s version “a perfect summertime sipper.” In the more serious category of Cinsault, […]
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South Africa
“Steenwold! South Africa: Ten Years On”
Can South African wines age? That is the central question asked during the Steenwold tasting in May 2025, inspired by the UK’s famous Southwold Bordeaux event. Its debut brought together 78 top South African whites and reds, including those from Craven, Thorne & Daughters, and Patatsfontein, from the standout 2015 vintage, served blind and grouped […]
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South Africa
‘Decanter cellar: 18 must-try Pinot Noirs’
Pinot Noir has come a long was since its rise to fame in Burgundy during the the Middle Ages. “Since then,” writes Mark O’Halleron, ” it has more than spread its wings, hanging its hat in both hemispheres, especially in cooler climates where it shines, delivering wines with a breezy, crunchy fruit character that take […]
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South Africa
Stephanie Wiid of Thistle & Weed on the use of “climate smart cultivars” in South Africa
For Wine Enthusiast, Kathleen Willcox reports on the proliferation of Portuguese varieties around the world as growers adapt to climate change. Stephanie Wiid, South African winemaker and co-founder of Thistle & Weed, calls these varieties “climate smart cultivars” thanks to their ability to “coax bright flavors out of grapes grown in punishing heat,” as Willcox […]
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Australia
South Africa
“Syrah & Shiraz: 25 of the best from the southern hemisphere”
For Decanter, Amanda Barnes profiles some of the best, regionally-distinct wines from Australia and South Africa. “Australia certainly still champions rich ‘Shiraz’ styles today…,” writes Barnes. “What I find more exciting, however, is the drive in Australia’s diverse wine regions towards more regional distinction and some cooler-climate expressions.” Among the wines profiled are Koomilya ‘DC […]
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South Africa
‘South Africa: Where Are We Now?’
SOUTH AFRICA IS… NOT WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS Where Are We Now? “So, where is the wine industry in 2024?” “It stands at a crossroads. South Africa found its own voice thanks to the Swartland Revolution and ‘new wave’ producers… while some wine regions covet exclusivity and luxury branding, South Africa represents something inclusive, […]
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South Africa
Stephanie Wiid named Tim Atkin MW 2024 Young Winemaker of the Year
In his 2024 Special Report, Master of Wine Tim Atkin named Thistle & Weed and Lovely Creatures winemaker Stephanie Wiid the Young Winemaker of the Year. Stephanie is the third female winemaker in a row and fourth overall Vine Street producer to win this prestigious award since its creation in 2015. This award puts her […]
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South Africa
‘A Guide to the Swartland, South Africa’s Most Underrated Wine Region’
For Condé Nast Traveler, Lane Nieset shares a food & wine lover’s guide to the Swartland, this “lesser-known wine community” producing “some of the country’s most sought-after bottles.” Nieset names Izak Mouton of Sakkie Mouton Family Wines, Jurgen Gouws of Intellego, and Hanneke Kruger of Vino pH as a part of the “influx of young […]
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