I’ll be honest – I don’t often put pen to paper for our blog. There are plenty of writers in the company that are far more engaging than me. But after being lucky enough to visit the Cape Wine Fair in South Africa this September, I couldn’t resist sharing what I discovered: an incredible sense of energy, creativity, and optimism among today’s
South African wine producers.
It was also a personal joy to return to South Africa more than twenty years after my last visit. Seeing how far the country has come as a multicultural society was inspiring – there’s still a journey ahead, but progress is unmistakable. And nowhere is that vibrant spirit more alive than in the Cape Winelands.
The Zoo Crew’s Legacy
Most wine lovers will be familiar with the pioneers – the so-called “New Wave” of South African winemakers who shook up the scene nearly a decade ago. This was the legendary Zoo Crew Collective – a group of innovative winemakers who proved that South Africa was serious, edgy, and brimming with terroir-driven potential.
(with Duncan Savage and another of his outrageous outfits!)
At The Good Wine Shop, we’ve long been champions of these trailblazers:
• Duncan Savage of Savage Wines
• Pieter Walser of Blank Bottle
• Adi Badenhorst of AA Badenhorst Family Wines
Their innovation and authenticity redefined South African wine for the world. But now, a new generation of winemakers is stepping up – and they’re bringing their own fire.
If this next “new wave” of great winemakers can gather themselves together to gain some momentum – just like the previous generation did – my sense is that good times are ahead for them. Crucially, many of these new voices come from Black communities, bringing important perspectives and experiences to the forefront.
Meet the New Firebrands
My trip to the Cape Wine Fair and the following winery visits introduced me to some of the most exciting voices in South African wine today – winemakers who embody this next new wave of creativity, collaboration, and inclusion.
(Group photo with the full tour team of winemakers)
Rüdger van Wyk of New Dawn Wines immediately stood out. Smart, driven, and engaging, Rüdger’s journey – from working a vintage in Burgundy to launching his own label – is a story of sheer determination. His White Blend, Red Blend, and beautifully pure OG Chenin Blanc all show exceptional finesse and personality. And if you ever find yourself in Cape Town, don’t miss his Novel Wine Bar – it’s a must-visit.
(with Rüdger van Wyk of New Dawn)
Another rising star is Mahalia Kotjane of Three Quarters Wine. A graduate of the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, Mahalia’s wines express both technical precision and deep respect for her heritage. We’re hoping to bring her wines to London very soon.
A final highlight was meeting Alex McFarlane of McFarlane Wines. Alex crafts tiny quantities – sometimes just 1,000 to 2,000 bottles per cuvée – yet her wines show remarkable focus, purity, and drive. She’s another name to watch.
(Meeting Alexandra McFarlane of McFarlane wines who we hope we can import from)
Grape Expectations
Despite recent challenges – from drought to disease – the South African wine industry continues to thrive with remarkable resilience and ambition.
Producers are doubling down on grape varieties that speak clearly of place and heritage, like Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, while also exploring exciting varietals such as Cinsault. This balance between tradition and experimentation is what makes the Cape one of the most dynamic wine regions in the world.
(Vineyard in Franschhoek)
The sheer quality of wines I tasted is proof of how far the country has come in just a decade. South Africa is already punching well above its weight in the New World, and with this talented, diverse, and collaborative new generation leading the charge, the future of the Cape Winelands looks incredibly bright.
Explore our South African wine collection → South Africa at The Good Wine Shop
