In Praise Of South African Wines

Saturday, November 8th 3-7pm South Africa Why South Africa? South African wine makes up less than 1% of all U.S. imports — yet it’s one of the most dynamic and inspiring wine regions in the world. When Peter Andrews, founder of Culture Wine Co., first visited, he discovered a thriving community of passionate, skilled producers making world-class wines through organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming. Today’s generation of winemakers is redefining South African wine — crafting vibrant, energetic Pinotage and expressive single-varietal wines from grapes like Colombar, Palomino, and Fernao Pires. Beyond the wines themselves, what sets South Africa apart is its spirit of collaboration and inclusivity — a community genuinely invested in elevating one another. There’s never been a better time to explore South African wine, and we’re thrilled to share that story with you. Meet the Founder: Peter Andrews Join us in welcoming Peter Andrews, founder of Culture Wine Co., the only U.S. importer and retailer exclusively dedicated to South African wine. A 15-year wine industry veteran and DipWSET, Peter has worn many hats — from managing boutique wine shops and holding executive trade roles to teaching wine business at Johnson & Wales University, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and through WSET programs. He’s also served on the board of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation and currently sits on the Program Development Committee for the Unified Grape Symposium, North America’s largest wine industry conference. Peter’s path began in the kitchen — after earning his culinary degree, he cooked across the U.S. and in Italy’s Friuli and Piemonte regions, where he fell in love with wine. That experience bridged his passion for food, history, and culture, inspiring him to earn an MBA and eventually launch Culture Wine Co. — a company built to champion underrepresented regions and the people behind the wines. What we'll be pouring: About Van Hunks Jan Van Hunks is a legendary Cape Town figure known for his love of adventure — and his infamous pipe-smoking contest with the devil, said to have created the “Tablecloth” of fog over Table Mountain. His spirit lives on through Van Hunks Drinks: sparkling wines made for fun, adventure, and accessibility, yet crafted with utmost care. The wines are produced by 14th-generation sparkling winemaker Matthew Krone, a lifelong specialist in bottle-fermented wines. Though the brand celebrates playfulness and approachability, the craftsmanship behind it is deeply serious — a perfect reflection of South Africa’s modern Cap Classique movement. Van Hunks Brut Cap Classique 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Sourced entirely from Stellenbosch fruit, the Van Hunks Brut spends 36 months aging on the lees within the very bottle you’re holding. During this time, yeast autolysis develops its hallmark richness, fine texture, and toasty complexity — the hallmark of serious, Champagne-method sparkling wine. About Processus Processus is more than a wine label — it’s a journey of becoming. Founded in 2020 by curator Beata America and winemaker Megan van der Merwe, the project explores the intersection of art, ecology, and storytelling through wine. Together, they bring a holistic, intentional approach that honors both place and process, giving voice to minority grape varieties and the people behind them. Beata, also a curator at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, approaches wine as an art form — a sensory exhibition where each vintage tells its own story. Megan, currently winemaker and viticulturist at Beau Constantia, brings experience from both hemispheres, having produced wines in Paso Robles and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Her dual artistry and scientific precision position her among South Africa’s most exciting rising stars. 2023 Processus Fernão Pires 100% Women-Owned. 100% Fernão Pires. Known in Portugal as both Fernão Pires and Maria Gomes, this duality inspired Processus to personify the label — a wine with many identities and an equally layered story. Brought to South Africa through Portuguese influence, Fernão Pires found an unlikely home here decades ago. Today, Processus sources from a nearly 40-year-old vineyard, farmed by four generations with deep-rooted care. Too often blended into anonymity, Fernão Pires finally takes center stage in this bottling. About Brookdale Estate Brookdale Estate is one of South Africa’s most exciting producers, located in Paarl and led by a new generation of winemaking talent. Founded by Tim Rudd and guided early on by Duncan Savage and Kiara Scott Farmer (first person of color to win winemaker of the year in South Africa), the estate is now in the capable hands of rising stars Shanice DuPreez and Xander Sadie. Their minimal-intervention approach and focus on sustainable farming have positioned Brookdale as a benchmark for modern South African wine — elegant, honest, and full of life. 2024 Brookdale Estate, Mason Road, Chenin Blanc The Mason Road Chenin Blanc is from a mix of young and old vines. The younger vines bring a freshness, while the older vines highlight the unique granite and saline mineral components of the vineyard. Most of the blend is coming from the young vines aged in stainless steel. 15-20% is coming from older vines that are aged in French oak, which gives depth, richness, and mineral notes. This creates layers of flavors and complexity with a long finish. Quite simply, this is a stunner of a wine at a very friendly price-point. 2022 Brookdale Estate, Mason Road, ‘Serendipity’ Rosé Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault made in a Provençal-style. Pale salmon hue and lifted aromas of hibiscus, fynbos, and wild strawberry. The palate is bright and red-fruited, showing raspberry, mulberry, and ripe cherry, balanced by refreshing watermelon notes and lively acidity. Subtle structure from neutral oak aging adds depth and length to the finish. 2023 Brookdale Estate, Mason Road, Syrah (Paarl) This bright, aromatic Syrah bursts with notes of violet, red cherry, and smoked olive tapenade, offering Rhône-like elegance with a South African edge. The palate is savory and lifted, framed by fine-grained tannins and a mouthwatering finish. It’s proof that young-vine Syrah can deliver both structure and grace when handled with care.