The South African wine industry is definitely in a revival period. It’s origins began with the Dutch East India Company, when vines were planted to ward off scurvy amongst sailors in the 1650s.

South African wine never really grew in popularity until after the Apartheid ended and the global export market opened up for them. With South Africa’s intense sunlight and dry heat but cold and wet winters, they make for interesting varietals. Most of South Africa’s wines hail from the Western Cape and Pinotage (a cross of Pinot noir and Cinsaut) is one of the more popular varieties located in the area.

whistler cornucopia-wines of africa

During the recent Whistler Cornucopia, we were treated to several wines from the region:

Graham Beck Brut Rose – This particular wine was sweet and fruity, which makes is great to enjoy on it’s own.

Protea Chenin Blanc – This wine is very mild.

Boutinot Tea Leaf Chenin Blanc – One of our favourites of the evening, the Chenin Blanc had a wonderful essence of rooibos tea!

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay – This chardonnay was slightly buttery, not too oaky and medium bodied – one of our favourites during the evening.

DMZ Chardonnay – This particular chardonnay didn’t have any outstanding notes to mention.

B Vintner’s Pinot Noir – The Pinot Noir was on the dryer side, slightly sour and acidic.

Stella Organics Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage Reserve – This particular wine was spicy, medium bodied with a medium sweetness and very easy to drink.

Boutinot Sun & Air Cinsault – This wine was fresh and very light for a wine.

Porcupine Ridge Syrah – Another favourite of the evening, this Syrah was bold, savoury and flavourful, almost meaty (if that can be considered a descriptor for wine!).

Anthonij Ruper Optima – This wine is heavier in body, fruity and delicious. We loved that it was not heavy on the tannins and almost leafy – another one of our favourites for the evening.

More Info: http://whistlercornucopia.com/event-detail/?slug=drink-seminar-to-boldly-grow-reinventing-south-afr