Steph Wiid

We've only just reached August, and this year has already brought a couple of milestones. Etienne recently celebrated his 40th, Steph's isn't far behind, and Thistle & Weed has entered its red-wine era. For a winery that's long been known for Chenin Blanc, that's a fairly significant statement. Then again, perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise. Alicante Bouschet and Tempranillo have been part of our story from the very beginning, helping shape Nastergal over the past decade. Now they're...

If you’ve ever spotted “vegan-friendly” on a wine label and wondered what that actually means, you’re not alone. After all, wine is made from grapes… so surely it’s vegan by default? Not always - but ours are. So, What’s the Deal? Traditionally, many wines are fined before bottling. Fining is a process used to clarify wine, removing excess polyphenols (like harsh tannins) or helping stabilise colour. It’s essentially about polishing and tidying, rather than changing how a wine tastes. Done...

Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc DUWWELTJIE CHENIN BLANC The wine that started it all - Paarl Chenin with juicy layers, a citrus-and-peach punch, and a generous mid-palate. Proof that Chenin’s a proper chameleon in Cape soils. What to Pair It With Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots & Almonds Sweet-savoury tagine flavours play with the wine’s peach and citrus richness - a match that feels festive without being fussy. Seared Scallops with Lemon-Ginger Butter Caramelised scallops match the...