One of South Africa’s oldest wineries
With a winemaking legacy dating back to 1692 and still family owned, Spier Wine Farm is committed to responsible farming practices, with a primary focus on the regeneration of soil fertility, achieved through the use of high-density grazing and organic compost amongst others.
Absolutely in-tune with current thinking and ideology, the business won the 2022 Ethical Award in the Drinks Business Green Awards. Spier is committed to looking after both the environment and the people who work on the wine farm.
Not only is Spier a Winery and Vineyard, but it also boasts a restaurant and a hotel with 80 rooms, built around courtyards in the style of a characterful village.
Using home-sourced vegetables and meats at their restaurants enhances self-sufficiency and reduces carbon emissions.
Spier invests in Growing For Good, initiatives that empower communities and unleash positive social and environmental change, and is renowned for its contribution to the South African art scene.
Based in Stellenbosch, one of the foremost wine regions of South Africa, grapes are sourced from several different regions of the Cape and 6 different ranges of wines are made, all with the same respect for environment and people.
A grape variety seldom encountered from South Africa is Albariño, normally found in North-west Spain in the region of Galicia. There are only 90 acres of Albariño planted in South Africa – and only around 20 acres in Stellenbosch. But Spier is not afraid to do things differently albeit one of South Africa’s oldest wineries. They take the three centuries of experience and bring it to life in newer, less common grapes like Albariño. Produced from grapes grown on the southern slopes of the picturesque Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, this wine is the delicious result of fantastic growing conditions and complex granite and clay soils. It’s proof that being different pays off. Aromatic flavours of grapefruit, stone fruits and melon. It’s zesty and mineral, making it an ideal pairing for fresh seafood dishes. Majestic £9.99 Mix Six price.
Another of their wines great with fish dishes, is the Spier Seaward Sauvignon Blanc 2021 from the Western Cape region. The name echoes the wines origins, the grapes being grown near the Atlantic Coast and the temperate waters of False Bay, having a distinctly cool maritime influence, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh and zesty, with subtle tropical fruit flavours and aromas of new mown grass and green figs. Well balanced fruit and acidity giving an elegant finish. £14.95 from the on-line merchant Slurp.co.uk or look out for it in restaurants.
Also in the Seaward range from the Western Cape is Spier Seaward Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. Deep coloured, soft, mellow red with stacks of ripe, jammy blackberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with both complexity and freshness, given by its maritime climate. Ripe tannins, notes of cedar wood on the fruity aroma and blackcurrants on the palate. Well integrated oak and good length on the finish. Available from www.slurp.co.uk at £15.95.