Travel Sips: 5 Exciting Wines We Tried at Greyton Fire & Wine
It’s been a tough winter in the Western Cape, but Greyton’s annual Fire & Wine festival offered a captivating reason to brave the cold. Bundled up in my best winter jacket and fluffy sheepskin boots, I set out to discover some of the best sips at the festival. With 30 top-tier winemakers tucked inside cosy venues along the village main road, there was plenty to sample including heavy-hitting reds and full-bodied whites curated specifically for the winter weather. Here are 5 of my favourite wines I tried at Greyton Fire & Wine in 2026.
Manley Wine Estate Viognier
This elegant and versatile off-dry white wine is ideal for sunny winter days. It’s complex and aromatic with a vibrant acidity that creates a beautifully balanced finish. I love it because it’s the perfect example of a bright summer wine that translates well in winter too. The Manley Viognier showcases flavours of yellow pear, guava, and green mango on the palate. It’s a refined wine that is oh-so-drinkable, with an accessible price tag (hooray!). This Viognier is ideal for leisurely lunches and relaxed evenings with friends around the fire, so much so we bought three bottles to take back to our lodgings to enjoy after the tasting tables had closed.
Find it online at R140 per bottle now.
Rock of Eye Cabernet Sauvignon
It wouldn’t be winter wine tasting without an excellent example of a Cabernet Sauvignon, and this Rock of Eye offering is a exciting as they come. This full-bodied red offers flavours of cassis and black plum alongside savoury notes of cedar and cocoa with a structured finish of concentrated dark berry fruit. Firm yet polished tannins and a fresh acidity keeps the wine balanced and very drinkable. This wine is a winner in winter and will wow red wine lovers looking for something complex to sip on with friends.
Find it online at R455 per bottle now.
Bon Courage Chardonnay Prestige Cuveé
Now, something special for chardonnay lovers, an elegant wine with great complexity and rich flavours. This drinkable chardonnay offers a big mouth feel packed with flavours including grapefruit and lime, with a hint of citrus and vanilla.It’s a full bodied modern chardonnay style with an influence of French oak, sitting perfectly in the middle of a heavy wooded and lighter unwooded chardonnay. If you love the complex flavours of a good chardonnay but shy away from the heavy stuff, this Chardonnay Prestige Cuveé will delight your taste buds for sure.
Find it online at R155 per bottle now.
Winkelshoek Wynkelders Hanepoot
Lovers of dessert wine unite, the Winkelshoek Hanepoot is a sweet and indulgent wine with a rich, fruity flavour profile and a floral, spicy aroma. This beautiful example of a sweet wine is sweet yet balanced by a refreshing acidity. You’ll love the flavours of sun-kissed sultana, butterscotch and litchi. With its long, lingering finish it’s perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with strong cheeses or chocolate.
Find it online at R109.99 per bottle now.
Viento Chenin Blanc
Young winemaker Chris Kruger was causing quite a stir at this year’s event with his wine brand, Viento. Kruger is part of the Burning Vine Society, a collective of four young winemakers bringing new energy to the wine scene in South Africa. This was one of my favourite Chenin Blancs I tried over the festival weekend. It boasts freshness with flavours of white stone fruit and fresh melon with a well balanced acidity. It’s a great wine to sip on with friends and will pair beautifully with pasta or fish and chips.
Find it online at R129.99 per bottle now.
