Chenin Blanc: The Shape-Shifting Grape

When a grape can age gracefully, charm while young and thrive anywhere, you celebrate it. International Chenin Blanc Day, happening on the 14th June 2025, was first celebrated in 2014 in the United States as a way to highlight this hardy grape - one that flourishes in nearly all climates and regions, producing a wide range of wine styles. From brandy to bubbly, this grape boasts versatility like no other.

The Birth of Brandy

Its deep roots in South Africa's wine story stretch back centuries. In 1672, an assistant cook aboard a Dutch East India Company ship docked in Table Bay and distilled 1,000 litres of a local wine varietal - then known as Steen - to produce 130 litres of brandy, marking the birth of the South African brandy industry. Chenin Blanc has long been used as a base wine for brandy thanks to its high acidity, which helps protect the wine from spoilage during production.

Chenin Blanc bunch from our Duwweltjie vineyard planted in 1961

Terroir in Every Sip

That same natural acidity, along with its adaptability, is what makes Chenin Blanc a blank slate for winemakers to craft their own unique stories. Thriving in cool, moderate and warm climates, this varietal can take on many forms - from dry to sweet, still or sparkling, oaked or unoaked - and can age beautifully for years. 

It's this potential that inspired us to create three single varietal wines that each reflect their terroir: Duwweltjie from Paarl with peach and citrus aromas; Brandnetel from Stellenbosch, offering notes of white peach and blood orange; and Springdoring from Swartland, with a crystalline, mineral finish. All three are made in the exact same way and from the exact same grape, allowing terroir to take centre stage. These distinct characteristics - and our commitment to craft - recently earned us the Old Vine Chenin Blanc accreditation, turning this once workhorse grape into our sweetheart and muse.

Rooted in Heritage

With so much versatility, it’s no surprise that Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety in South Africa - and also among the oldest vines in the country. Its legacy even inspired the creation of the Old Vine Project (OVP), founded by viticulturist Rosa Kruger. The project aims to preserve vines older than 35 years and showcase the complexity and balance that their fruit can offer. Wines made from old vines are often noted for their pronounced tropical aromas and layered character, frequently enhanced by oak, making Chenin Blanc a fitting ambassador for South Africa’s fine wine heritage. No longer just a base for brandy, it has become a national treasure.

Cheers to Chenin!

Globally, Chenin Blanc continues to shine. Organisations like the Chenin Blanc Association and Fan de Chenin are dedicated to elevating the perception of the varietal and championing initiatives such as International Drink Chenin Day. So, whether you're a long-time lover of the grape or newly discovering its charm, we invite you to raise a glass of your favourite Thistle and Weed Chenin Blanc and celebrate with us on the 14th of June, aka Drink Chenin Day. Here’s to a grape that’s as enduring as it is expressive!