Baby Bandito was a project Craig and Carla started in 2015. They wanted to work with vineyards that deliver wines that can be drunk young yet still “over deliver” in quality. There was a heavy influence from street artists in the labels. “We’re old school but I can’t handle boring labels,” says Craig. The photo on the label was taken by Craig’s brother in Cambodia, and for Craig, it depicts the idea of hope and optimism, and how we should never lose our childlike ambition. The fruit was sourced from an organically farmed bushvine block planted in 2001. This is a block that is fairly vigorous for the dry soils of the Swartland and produces a good number of high quality grapes with very juicy large berries. They try keep as many leaves as possible to shade the block and help retain acidity. As for the name, “Follow your Dreams” is a quote made famous by the street artist, Banksy, who says “all art is stolen,” so naturally, Craig stole his quote.

The grapes were hand harvested and kept as intact clusters for spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks. After 12 days of skin contact, the wine was pressed off the skins and went into a 3500L old oak foudre and a 500L barrel for malo and aging. After 6 months, the wine was blended & bottled with a gentle filtration and small sulfur addition. No fining.