Cape Vine Master

30/04/2025

Alto Wine Estate - A LOVE LETTER TO STELLENBOSCH

My day at Alto was a love letter to Stellenbosch’s red-wine legacy, leaving me with a bottle of Shiraz, a belly full of burger, and memories of Table Mountain’s silhouette. The estate’s blend of history, terroir, and bold wines makes it a pilgrimage for red-wine lovers, just 45 minutes from Cape Town. Book your tasting, snag a deck seat, and raise a glass to a century of excellence. Alto isn’t just a winery—it’s the heart of South Africa’s red-wine soul.

https://capevinemaster.co.za/2025/04/30/alto-wine-estate-stellenboschs-red-wine-legacy-in-the-golden-triangle/

27/04/2025

The Giant Periwinkle - 2020 Kelp Forest Syrah Review

The 2020 Kelp Forest Syrah is a delightful expression of Cape Agulhas’ cool-climate potential, showcasing lovely fruit purity and a refined, silky structure. It’s a wine that prioritizes elegance over power, which is both its strength and its limitation. While it could benefit from a touch more intensity and complexity to truly stand among South Africa’s top Syrahs, its balance and terroir-driven character make it a versatile and enjoyable pour. Pair it with herb-crusted lamb or a wild mushroom risotto to let its nuances shine.

Score: 88/100
A commendable effort from The Giant Periwinkle, offering a glimpse of Elim’s Syrah potential. With a bit more depth, future vintages could easily climb higher.

Perfect for: Cool-climate Syrah fans, food-friendly wine seekers, and those curious about South Africa’s southernmost wine region.

https://capevinemaster.co.za/2025/04/27/tasting-note-2020-kelp-forest-syrah-the-giant-periwinkle/

27/04/2025

WINE CALENDAR: JUNE 2025 - Festivals & More
- Decorex International
- Drink Chenin Event - Backsberg
- De Hoop Wine, Whales and Music - Goede Hoop Wine Estate
- Tulbagh Arts Festival - Tulbagh Winery
- Cook Franschhoek Wine Valley - TBC
- Annerkant Die Berg - Breedevallei Munisipaliteit - Breede Valley Municipality
- Time Out Wine Tastings - .com

https://capevinemaster.co.za/2025/04/27/top-30-wine-festivals-and-events-in-the-western-cape-june-to-september-2025/

27/04/2025

With 65% of the data in here is what the Harvest Report for 2025 looks like. Lots of positives!

https://capevinemaster.co.za/2025/04/27/south-africa-wine-harvest-2025-a-rebound-of-quality-amid-challenges/

25/04/2025

We visited Schenkfontein Wineries, and it was a pleasant surprise what this gem holds.

https://capevinemaster.co.za/2025/04/25/schenkfontein-wines-a-swartland-saga-of-family-grit-and-great-grapes/

24/04/2025

Ashton Winery is a little gem that needs to be on your bucket list.

As a wine blogger for CapeVineMaster.co.za, I’ve visited my fair share of estates, but Ashton’s unpretentious charm and innovative tasting experiences left a lasting impression. From its rich cooperative history to its diverse wine portfolio and a chocolate pairing that had my taste buds dancing...

24/04/2025

PRINT THIS OUT IF YOU ARE A NOVICE LIKE ME!

We feature a couple of great wines to taste as part of your epic journey:
- Douglas Green - Sauv Blank
- Four Cousins - Rose
- Wines - Pinotage
- Nederburg Wines - The Winemaster Chenin Blanc
- Robertson Winery - Ruby Cab

You can find these incredible wines at:
- Checkers
- Cybercellar.com
- Pick n Pay

Remember your pallet, your rules!

Have fun!

Picture this: you’re at a wine tasting, surrounded by folks swirling glasses, sniffing like bloodhounds, and tossing around words like “tannins” and “terroir.” You take a sip, nod thoughtfully, and think, “Tastes like… wine?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Wine tasting can feel l...

23/04/2025

As we wait to launch our website and introduce our team, here is a teaser of what to expect from us over the next couple of months.

Meet the *CapeVineMaster.co.za* team, your guides to South Africa’s wine adventure! Led by Editor-in-Chief Marthunis J. Barnard, we’re a crew of wine lovers delivering monthly online tastings, weekly blogs on farms, viticulture, and food pairings, plus global wine news. Launching May 1, 2025, jo...

23/04/2025

🍷 Exciting News! CapeVineMaster.co.za is relaunching on May 1, 2025! 🍇

We’re thrilled to unveil a revitalized platform dedicated to celebrating South Africa’s vibrant wine culture, under the passionate leadership of our Editor-in-Chief, Marthunis J. Barnard. Despite his demanding commitments as a wine journalist and industry consultant, Marthunis has poured his heart into reimagining CapeVineMaster.co.za as *the* go-to destination for wine lovers, from curious novices to seasoned connoisseurs.

Here’s a taste of what’s coming:

🌟 **Weekly Online Wine Tastings**: Join us every week for virtual tastings led by top winemakers and sommeliers. Sip along from home as we explore unique varietals, share pairing tips, and dive into the stories behind the bottles. Perfect for discovering new favorites!

🌟 **Monthly Interviews**: Get up close with the Cape Winelands’ most inspiring figures. From legendary vintners to innovative newcomers, our in-depth interviews will reveal the passion, craft, and innovation driving South Africa’s wine scene.

🌟 **Weekly Blog**: Our blog will deliver fresh, engaging content every week, featuring vineyard visits, wine trends, and expert advice. Expect vivid storytelling, like my recent visit to Viljoensdrift Fine Wines & River Cruises Estate, where river cruises and Pinotage stole the show!

🌟 **Comprehensive Wine Farm Listings**: Explore our revamped listing website, showcasing every wine farm in the Cape Winelands. From boutique gems to iconic estates, find detailed profiles, visitor info, and curated recommendations to plan your next wine adventure.

CapeVineMaster.co.za is more than a website—it’s a community for those who live and breathe wine. Mark your calendars for May 1, 2025, and join us as we raise a glass to South Africa’s extraordinary wine heritage. Stay tuned for updates, and let us know in the comments which wine farm you’re most excited to explore! 🥂

18/06/2024

As an ardent wine blogger with a deep love for the South African wine industry, I am always thrilled to explore the dynamic world of Stellenbosch wines. While the Stellenbosch Wine Route may seem quiet during the winter months, there is a magical transformation happening within each cellar. Behind those serene exteriors, winemakers are meticulously crafting some of the best wines the world will soon savor.

https://magazine.capevinemaster.com/the-stellenbosch-wine-route-winters-hidden-magic/

Kanonkop Wine Estate Rust en Vrede Wine Estate De Toren Private Cellar Warwick Wine Estate

17/06/2024

BC Wines (Brandvlei Cellars), established in 1955, has a rich history of producing quality wines. Nestled in the heart of the Breedekloof Wine Valley, the winery benefits from the region's unique terroir, which is ideal for viticulture. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in every bottle they produce.
https://magazine.capevinemaster.com/brandvlei-cellars-bc-pinotage-affordable-quality-in-every-sip/

16/06/2024

Saronsberg Cellar 2022 Shiraz is our special father's day guest today with a traditional Oxtail Potjie.