ERICA PLATTER

What I loved about the first presentation of African Wines in sunny, summery Stellenbosch was how YOUNG everyone was. Age doesn't matter of course, especially when it comes to wine. But in the basement of Dalla Cia we were together with a group of fresh, fearless people, not dulled by lukewarm reviews, difficult markets or adventurous consumers. You could literally feel the enthusiasm - and taste it.   

The African Wines wine portfolio, compiled by Belinda and Damiano d'Alba, introduces a new generation of South African wines and winemakers.

Wines from top sommeliers in Cape Town, such as Tongai Joseph Dhafana and Tinashe Nyamudoka, who are part of the Zimbabwean blind tasting team that made a sensational impression at the World Wine Tasting Championships in France in 2017.

Wines from a range of young female stars, such as Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina, Alex McFarlane of Druk My Niet and Callan Williams, better known as The Garajeest. From super-skilled and original craftsmen such as the California-winning Martin Smith of Paserene. From the hottest and coolest (re)discovered areas such as Piekenierskloof with his old vines.

And just when I was starting to feel almost too old, it turned out that some seasoned craftsmen could be added to the list: Bernhard Veller (whose white blend Nitida Coronata is pure poetry); Jeremy Borg, who with his charming wines draws attention to African animals threatened with extinction; and Giorgio Dalla Cia, who honors his Italian roots with his "husk spirits" or grappas.

There are many more, but I hope that this will give you a good idea...

These wines are worth discovering!

Erica Platter

Founder, together with her husband, of the John Platter Wine Guide.

Warwick Ross

African Wines is a great initiative to showcase, in Europe, the best of what is emerging from talented, young, progressive winemakers from Africa. Cultural diversity is at last presenting us with a dazzling new array of wines which reflect not just unique terroir but the personalities of the makers.

When I first met the four Zim Somms, it was obvious that their story would make a wonderful feature length cinema documentary. We have been following the adventures of Pardon, Joseph, Tinashe and Marlvin for almost a year now and their story is unforgettable. Economic refugees from Zimbabwe who transformed their lives into Africa’s best sommeliers and decided to challenge at the World Blind Tasting Championship in Burgundy against 25 other nations – A story of hardship, struggle, determination and success!

One of the Zim team, Pardon Taguzu had always dreamed of introducing his favourite South African wines to Europe. Now with the establishment of African Wines, he has made his dream come true.

Warwick Ross

Director/Producer

BLIND AMBITION