Three of Our Favourite South African Wine Producers
At Vivat Bacchus, our love affair with South African wine runs deep. With every sip, we discover high quality and craftsmanship, yet this region still has the status as an underrated gem in the wine world. We’re on a mission to spread the word about the incredible talent of South African wine producers. So, raise your glasses and join us in celebrating the greatness of South African vino!
We’re going to start by shining a spotlight on three of our absolute favourites. Get ready to familiarise yourself with these iconic labels, because once you do, there’s no turning back!
Ready to embark on this South African tasting adventure with us? Swing by our restaurants in London Bridge and Farringdon to try these remarkable wines first hand. Or if you prefer the comfort of your own home, then simply browse our online wine shop and we’ll deliver these treasures straight to your doorstep.
Rainbow’s End Wine Estate can be found near Stellenbosch and was acquired by Jacques Malan in 1978. Perched on lofty slopes reaching 540m above sea level, the wine estate sits on the back of the majestic Jonkershoek Mountain, overlooking the lush Bonghoek basin.
It’s one of our favourites because, since the beginning, this has been a family wine affair and labour of love. The Malan’s worked with the soil, rain, and sunshine to plant and nurture 22-hectares of vineyards and, in 2002, they successfully produced their first wine, a wonderful Shiraz.
The estate is now led by Jacques Malan and his sons Anton and Francois, and this tight-knit family channels their expertise and respect for nature into every bottle. Hand-harvesting grapes at dawn, meticulously sorting the bunches, and gently destemming the berries to keep them as close to whole as possible – this is just a snapshot of the care the Malan family puts into their work each day.
At the heart of their winemaking philosophy lies a dedication to honouring the individuality of every vintage. The family treats each harvest as a distinct entity, allowing the nuances of the specific terroir and the unique rhythm of the seasons to shape the character of their wines. With a blend of innovation and tradition, the Malans continually refine their winemaking techniques to extract the very best from each grape, ensuring their bottles encapsulate the essence of each year.
If you’d like to try one of Rainbow End’s bottles, we recommend their incredible Shiraz – the first wine they produced on the estate and a great way to celebrate International Syrah Day on the 16th February.
Get your hands on Rainbow’s End Syrah on our online wine shop.
2. Bartinney Wines
Perched on the dramatic slopes of Botmaskop, alongside the Helshoogte Pass, Bartinney Private Cellar commands a breathtaking view of the serene Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch.
With roots tracing back to 1912, Bartinney found its way into the Jordaan family in 1953. Today, Rose and Michael Jordaan lovingly tend to the 28-hectare farm, driven by a shared vision to craft exceptional wines and revive the timeless allure of this historic land.
At Bartinney, they believe that each aspect must work in harmony: agriculture with nature, people with animals, sustainability with excellence. Due to this harmony, you’ll find ancient vines stretching their roots to dizzying heights, reaching 550m above sea level!
There are also small pockets of low yielding, hand-tended Chardonnay vineyards, producing perfect fruits on the cooler elevated slopes. Meanwhile, on the slightly lower foothills of the Botmaskop mountains, the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards receive meticulous care, with the grapes being nurtured so they can embody the bold essence of the land.
You can try one of these bottles during your next visit to our restaurants in London Bridge and Farringdon. Or explore the range of Bartinney wine available on our online wine shop.
3. Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hamilton Russell Vineyards can be found in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. One of the most southerly wine estates in Africa, this vineyard specialises in the art of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The story began in 1975 when founder, Tim Hamilton Russell, embarked on an ambitious quest to find the perfect terroir for South Africa’s finest cool climate wines. After an extensive search, he acquired a pristine 170-hectare property, setting the stage for a pioneering journey in viticulture.
In 1991, Tim’s son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, took the reins, solidifying the family’s commitment to excellence. With a laser focus on quality, Anthony narrowed the estate’s focus to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, registering Hamilton Russell Vineyards as an Estate and vowing to work exclusively with grapes from their own terroir.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards continues to set the standard for cool-climate winemaking, crafting wines that reflect the beauty and character of their coastal home.
Experience one of the Hamilton Russell Vineyard bottles at our restaurants in Farringdon and London Bridge – book a table now!
