presented by Kaleigh Fleming from Elephants Corner
Van Hunks Chenin Blanc Sparkling Wine
The story of Van Hunks begins with the rich traditions of the Western Cape, taking its name from the legendary pirate Jan van Hunks. Handcrafted under the expertise of renowned master winemaker Matthew Krone, the brand focuses on expressing the vibrant, adventurous spirit of South African viticulture. Sourcing grapes from premium vineyard sites across Stellenbosch, the brand benefits from the region’s ancient soils and maritime influences. Krone utilizes traditional method expertise to ensure that the natural vivacity of local grapes shines brightly in every bottle.
Appellation: Western Cape, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc – ABV: 12%
Tasting notes: Bright, crisp, and alive. It exhibits enchanting aromas of peach, apricot, and green pear, leading to a vibrant palate of fresh apple and dry, flinty minerality.
Pairing: Serve well-chilled at 6–8°C. This sparkling wine acts as a perfect pairing for light seafood appetizers, fresh oysters, spicy tapas, or as a refreshing welcome drink for celebrations.
Producer: Van Hunks Drinks (Winemaker: Matthew Krone)
Post House “Mailing May” Sauvignon Blanc ~ 2025
Post House Cellars draws its heritage from a historic small property that once served as a post office for the local Raithby missionary community. The Gebers family purchased the farm in 1981, transforming the old post office into what is now the winery office and family residence. Situated at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, the vineyard sits in one of South Africa’s most preeminent winemaking terroirs. Here, on a clear day, vines catch maritime cooling winds sweeping up from False Bay and Cape Point, preserving exceptional varietal acidity. [7]
The 2025 vintage of the “Mailing May” bottling captures the pure essence of springtime freshness.
Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Tasting notes: Crisp and dry with a nose of pineapple, green fig, and gooseberry. The palate balances intense tropical fruit and citrus with a signature, refreshing saline minerality.
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc – ABV: 13%
Pairing: Serve chilled at 8–10°C. It pairs beautifully with fresh coastal seafood, zesty summer starters, goat cheese salads, or dishes seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime.
Producer: Post House Wines
David & Nadia Grenache Noir ~ 2023
Husband-and-wife team David and Nadia Sadie founded their Swartland estate with a deep commitment to organic farming and natural winemaking. They focus on old bush vines and low-yielding vineyards planted in the region’s ancient, weathered granite soils. Influenced by high-altitude expressions of Grenache, they take a minimal-intervention approach in the cellar. They utilize partial whole-bunch fermentation and old, neutral oak barrels to ensure that the fruit retains its purity, reflecting the raw, untamed terroir of Swartland.
The 2023 Grenache Noir is an aromatic, sensual masterpiece that highlights why South African Grenache is gaining global acclaim. Picked carefully before heavy autumn rains, it displays a pale, translucent garnet hue in the glass.
Appellation: Swartland, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Grenache Noir – ABV: 13.5%
Tasting notes: Fragrant and pure with complex aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, pink peppercorn, and rose petals. It is medium-bodied with lively pomegranate fruit, fine tannins, and a savory, spicy finish.
Pairing: Best enjoyed at a cool cellar temperature of 14–16°C. It pairs wonderfully with roasted duck, rosemary-rubbed lamb pork chops, tomato-balsamic tarts, or earthy mushroom dishes.
Producer: David & Nadia
Stellenzicht Cabernet Sauvignon ~ 2023
Stellenzicht is a historic estate nestled on the slopes of the Helderberg, a sub-region of Stellenbosch globally famed for producing top-tier red wines. Winemaker L’Ré Hughes and her team maintain a deeply rooted philosophy of sustainability and eco-precision viticulture. This specific bottling is named “Tristone,” which references the three distinct types of decomposed sandstone soils where these Cabernet Sauvignon vines are grown. Each sandstone soil profile lends a unique layer of complexity, structure, and minerality to the roots, embodying a pure sense of place.
The 2023 Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon is an internationally acclaimed vintage, earning gold status and high praise for its incredible balance and varietal typicity.
Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – ABV: 14%
Tasting notes: Bold and layered with deep aromas of cassis, blue fruit, cedar, and pencil lead. The palate is smooth and grippy, offering tart sour cherry notes wrapped in elegant, lingering tannins.
Pairing: Best served at 16–18°C. This structured Cabernet Sauvignon is built for hearty meals and pairs perfectly with grilled ribeye steaks, slow-roasted lamb shank, or mature cheeses.
Producer: Stellenzicht Wines
