COVID series, recorded 2020

Nestled beneath the majestic Constantia Nek, just a stone's throw away from the vibrant city center of Cape Town, lies Constantia Glen—a charming boutique wine estate renowned for its ultra-premium, cool-climate wines. Spread across 150 acres, with vineyards perched between 425 and 885 feet above sea level, Constantia Glen boasts a modest 75 acres under vine, limiting its annual wine production to a mere 100,000 bottles.

The estate's idyllic location in the undulating foothills of the Constantiaberg facilitates meticulous hand-harvesting practices, ensuring that every grape is carefully selected to uphold the handcrafted quality of the wines. Fanned by cold maritime breezes from the nearby Atlantic, originating from False Bay, the estate enjoys a temperate climate with an average temperature of 61ºF. This, combined with dryland cultivation, fosters slow ripening, low yields, and exceptional grape quality, resulting in wines of unparalleled flavor concentration.

Constantia Glen's dedication to crafting wines of elegance and structure is evident in their crisp white wines and vibrant reds, setting the estate apart from other wine-producing regions in South Africa. Join us as we explore the unique terroir and exceptional wines that define Constantia Glen's legacy in the world of winemaking.

COVID series, recorded 2020

Fram stands as the embodiment of Thinus Krüger's personal passion and vision—a promise to chart uncharted territories and uncover the hidden treasures that lie beyond the known realms of winemaking. After more than a decade crafting wines for others, Thinus embarked on a journey of exploration, venturing into the untamed landscapes of the Cape wine lands—the very heart of the unknown.

In his quest for discovery, Thinus forged close partnerships with farmers in the remote region of Clanwilliam, where the elements test the limits of endurance. Here, amidst fierce heat and low yields, Thinus discovered pristine quality waiting to be unearthed. Beyond Clanwilliam, the Fram range also ventures into the special corners of Robertson and the Swartland, each region contributing its unique essence to Thinus's portfolio.

With a quiet confidence born from a deep understanding of grapes and terroir, Thinus allows the fruits of his labor to speak for themselves. Vintage after vintage, his wines impress with their unwavering quality and impeccable balance, a testament to Thinus's unwavering commitment to excellence.

As Herman Melville once wrote, "It's not down on any map, true places never are." Join us as we journey into the uncharted territories of winemaking with Thinus Krüger and explore the true essence of Fram.

COVID series, recorded 2020

Hailing from Cape Town, Graham Weerts' journey into winemaking was as natural as the flow of the vine. Raised amidst the city's vibrant culture and nurtured by a deep-seated agricultural heritage, Graham's path to winemaking was almost predestined. For him, winemaking isn't just a career; it's a fusion of his love for the outdoors, his agricultural roots, and his thirst for creative expression and intellectual challenge. To Graham, wine stands unparalleled in its complexity and artistic depth, serving as a universal language that transcends cultural divides. As he aptly puts it, "few wars were started over a great bottle of wine."

Graham's foray into winemaking began with humble roots, working harvests in South Africa before transitioning from vineyard to cellar, honing his craft as a cellar hand and later as an assistant winemaker at Mulderbosch Vineyards. His quest for knowledge took him across continents, earning a degree in viticulture, wine science, and pomology from Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch in 1996.

Venturing further afield, Graham found himself in California's Sonoma County, immersing himself in the art of winemaking at Vérité. His return to South Africa saw him crafting wines for several smaller wineries before joining Bellingham Winery. By 2004, Graham's journey led him back to California, where he served as winemaker for Stonestreet in Alexander Valley until 2014. Today, in addition to his role in crafting Capensis, Graham oversees vineyard operations for Jackson Family Wines, a testament to his enduring passion for the vine.

Capensis represents more than just a wine; it's a homecoming for Graham, a celebration of his South African roots and the culmination of a lifelong journey dedicated to crafting wines of exceptional quality and character. Join us as we explore Graham Weerts' remarkable odyssey and the wines that embody his enduring connection to his homeland.

COVID series, recorded 2020

Nestled in the picturesque Greyton area, at the base of a striking mountain range in South Africa, lies Lismore Estate Vineyards—a hidden gem discovered by Californian Samantha O'Keefe. Departing from her background in political science and television, Samantha embarked on a journey that led her from Los Angeles to the captivating landscapes of South Africa in 2000.

Enchanted by a 300-hectare ranch named Riviersonderend, Samantha seized the opportunity to create her own paradise. With unwavering determination, she purchased the ranch, built her home, and set about realizing her winemaking dreams. In 2003, Lismore Estate Vineyards was born, with Samantha's inaugural vintage hitting the shelves in 2008.

Samantha's wines quickly captured the attention of top journalists, earning accolades for their exceptional quality and distinct character. Her remarkable achievements culminated in her induction into the prestigious Cape Winemaker's Guild in 2018, making her only the 6th woman to receive this honor. Join us as we delve into Samantha O'Keefe's inspiring journey and the exquisite wines that have earned her a place among the elite in South Africa's winemaking scene.

COVID series, recorded 2020

Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. That’s it. Since 2000, founder Bruwer Raats has kept his focus on these two varieties, believing that specialising would lead to success. This belief was not unfounded, as today, Raats Family Wines is regarded as a leader of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, receiving consistent local and international accolades.

With Gavin Bruwer joining Raats’ side in 2010, the family affair has one shared mission: to consistently produce Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc of outstanding quality from South Africa and to establish these wines as international benchmarks.

As the Raats philosophy continues to flourish, new, curated additions have been introduced along the way. This includes the well-received, vineyard-driven B Vitiners Vine Exploration Co. range, and the single wine, speciality bottling of MR De Compostella – an incredibly successful collaboration between Raats himself and fellow winemaker and long-time friend, Mzokona Mvemve.

Based in the winemaking capital of Stellenbosch, Bruwer, Mzokona and Gavin’s winemaking criteria is rigorous, and includes the quality of grape, soil, climate, topography and of course the impact of the human hand, which together, embodies the truest meaning of terroir.

COVID series, recorded 2020

Born in Blantyre, Malawi and schooled at Rondebosch Boys High School in Cape Town, Kevin graduated with a B.Sc.. Honours in Zoology from the University of Pretoria. Always drawn to winemaking, he went on to complete a Diploma in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College. Here he graduated as Dux student in 1990. He regularly undertakes study/harvest trips to France, Oregon, Australia, and New Zealand.

Greek for “a serene state of mind, free from worry and preoccupation”, Ataraxia lives up to the hype. Aptly called The Skyfields, Ataraxia Wines is perfectly positioned on a commanding rise in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde wine-growing area.

COVID series, recorded 2020

In this special episode, we're honored to feature three remarkable winemakers, each with a unique approach and dedication to their craft.

We have Alexander Milner, a winemaker who believes in minimal interference, allowing the beauty of the grapes to shine through in every bottle. With a focus on preserving the natural connection between grape and wine, Alexander crafts characterful wines that speak volumes about the dynamic Cape region.

We're joined by Chris Boustred of Remhoogte, whose family's journey into winemaking dates back to 1994. With a deep-rooted commitment to their estate, Chris and his family have poured their passion into every aspect of Remhoogte, ensuring that each bottle carries a story of heritage, perseverance, and familial bonds.

We welcome Leon Coetzee of The Fledge & Co., whose winemaking philosophy can be summed up as "Terroir by Truck." Driving over 15,000 miles during harvest, Leon's dedication to exploring South Africa's diverse wine regions knows no bounds. With Margaux by his side, they've curated a portfolio of over a dozen labels, each representing the unique terroir of the Cape.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these three winemakers, exploring their journeys, their wines, and the vibrant tapestry of South African winemaking.

COVID series, recorded 2020

In the picturesque landscape of Stellenbosch, South Africa, nestled under the watchful gaze of the Helderberg Mountain, Ken Forrester, a former restaurateur turned vintner, cultivates some of the world's most exceptional Chenin Blanc. Affectionately dubbed "Mr. Chenin," Ken's passion for cool climate varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and, notably, Chenin Blanc, has earned him acclaim for crafting South Africa's finest red and white wines. Among them, the renowned FMC and Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc grace tables of distinction worldwide.

Ken Forrester's commitment extends beyond producing exceptional wines; it's a vision rooted in uplifting his employees and fostering sustainable growth. Embracing practices that provide maximum job opportunities and support to a community in need, Ken's vineyards thrive under sustainable farming methods sans herbicides or pesticides. Hand-tilling the verdant vineyards underscores a labor-intensive yet deeply rewarding approach. From pruning to harvesting, every step is carried out by hand, not just to produce exceptional wines but to enrich the lives of those within the community.

Ken's ethos echoes a profound belief: by nurturing their own communities, no one need endure lack. Join us as we delve into Ken Forrester's journey, where each sip of his wines tells a story of sustainability, craftsmanship, and compassion.

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story of Adi Badenhorst, who breathed new life into an ancestral cellar dating back to the 1930s. Here, on his farm, he crafts natural wines using traditional methods. His vineyards boast ancient bush vines, with Chenin Blanc averaging 40 years, Cinsault averaging 45 years, and Grenache averaging 58 years old. Embracing biodynamic practices, these dry-farmed vines thrive on East, North, and South facing slopes, lending rich diversity to the fruit.

Committed to sustainability, all wines undergo natural fermentation and dry farming, with a dedication to vegan principles and IPW certification. Join us as we explore the unique terroir and artisanal craftsmanship behind each bottle from this historic estate.

COVID series, recorded 2020

In this episode, Zingo Munger explores the captivating story of De Morgenzon, a renowned winery nestled high above the Stellenboschkloof Valley, where the first rays of dawn illuminate its vineyards. With roots tracing back to 1682, when it was part of South Africa's inaugural vineyards, DeMorgenzon boasts a winemaking legacy spanning over three centuries.

Situated on historic grounds with vineyards facing South and South-East at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 feet, DeMorgenzon's soils, rich in decomposed granite, narrate a geological tale millions of years old. The estate's prime location, overlooking the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, gifts it with a cool microclimate, yielding wines of exceptional finesse and purity.

Under the stewardship of Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum since 2003, DeMorgenzon transformed, rejuvenating vineyards while preserving ancient Chenin Blanc vines dating back to 1972. Embracing biodiversity and environmental sustainability, the estate integrates indigenous flora and plays classical music across its vineyards, winery, and cellar, harnessing the harmonious energy to nurture vines and craft wines of exquisite balance.

Led by Cellar Master and CEO Alastair Rimmer, whose international winemaking experience spans the globe, DeMorgenzon continues to garner acclaim for its Estate Reserve Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Syrah, alongside innovative blends under the Maestro Brand, and a single varietal range committed to delivering exceptional quality at every sip.