10 Reasons to Drink South African Wine

We are prouder than ever to support our outstanding South African wine producers at this time, so we have pulled together an offer around our favourite South African wines. Use the discount code DRINKSA10 to get 10% off this incredible selection of wines. This offer is valid until 31st August.

We’d like to reassure you that this special pricing will not affect the profits going to our hardworking and deserving winemakers in South Africa. To make this special offer possible, The Great Wine Co. is giving up our profits as a retailer. We want the South African wine industry to receive full support from your decision to Drink South African, so we’ve decided to do our bit to help.

In case you needed any more convincing, we have pulled together a list of 10 reasons why you should Drink South African the next time you have an occasion to enjoy a bottle of wine.

1. South Africa introduced a ban on alcohol sales during lockdown, but fortunately wine exports are still permitted. Choosing South Africa’s wonderful wines is one of the few things we can do to support them at this time.

2. Around 300,000 people work in South Africa's wine industry. Many of these jobs are at risk as revenues have been slashed. Longer-term, these jobs may struggle to bounce back if an illicit market in local wine sales takes hold.

3. It's the perfect excuse to rustle up a braai. Cross your fingers for clement weather this weekend, and fire up the BBQ with these food-friendly wines. 

4. Many producers in SA reported outstanding quality from their 2019 vintage. Get hold of Stormy Cape for an easy-going wine that is brand-new to the market. It’s great value from a producer that reliably offers approachable and vibrant styles.

5. SA’s wineries are brimming with history, larger-than-life characters and innovation. Our Director of Buying recently chatted to legend Ken Forrester on Instagram as part of our series, The Grape Escape. Ken is a marvellous raconteur, and gives you an immediate sense of his life-long dedication to excellent winemaking. You can also watch a recording on YouTube.

6. Marie, Anette and Nicky are the namesakes and inspiration for MAN Family Wines, run by their husbands. Jose, Tyrrell and Philip started out making their wines in a tractor shed, and worked tirelessly to become the champions of unirrigated, excellent wines they are today. Their wines and their story are a great example of the humility that so often characterizes great winemaking.

7. Rhône-lovers will find a new favourite in Reenan Borman’s wines. Reenan started out on his family’s wine estate, Boschkloof, before he travelled to the Rhône to study and find inspiration. This experience helped him develop the signature style for his own winery, Patatsfontein. 

8. For Bordeaux-style without the price tag, Thelema Mountain Vineyards offers a plush Merlot at incredible value, while Richard Kershaw’s Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend is a must-try for Bordeaux fans.

9. 2020 is the 95th anniversary since the creation of Pinotage, SA's national grape. In 1925, Professor Perold at Stellenbosch University successfully crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Pick up “Printer’s Ink” from Meinert for a great example.

10. SA producers are ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable winemaking practices. You can find wonderful vegan-friendly wines from boutique producers Boschkloof and FRAM. 

Harvest at Morgenster, Western Cape