South Africa is having something of a moment in the sun.  Things have come a long way since the vast swathe of Swartland steen and the bulk wines they used to specialise in.  These days winemakers are focussing on quality and putting their energy into matching grape varieties to vineyard sites.  Lower yields, improvements in winemaking and the boundless enthusiasm from well-travelled and well-educated winemakers is moving the wine scene here in a very positive direction.  Jump in now and take advantage of some fabulous wines that offer really great value for money.

Rustenberg is in Stellenbosch which is long regarded as South Africa’s prime vineyard land.  Winemaking at this estate dates back to 1682 when a German man, Roelof Pasman, recognised its winegrowing potential.  Since then, the estate has seen its fair share of changes including being divided in two and was sadly neglected at times.  John X Merriman (later to become President of the Cape) bought part of the estate in the 1800s and his brother in law bought the other part and the two undertook some major renovations and improvements.  These days the two estates are again united under the custodianship of the Barlow family who have been running the estate for over 70 years.  The philosophy is simple, to make “quality wines true to the style of the estate and the brand.”

Rustenberg Chardonnay 2014