False Bay Slow Chenin Blanc is crafted the wild way, using old vine fruit and natural yeasts found on the grapes themselves. This artisanal approach, combined with up to ten months of lees ageing, allows the wine to evolve slowly and naturally, developing a harmonious balance of freshness, texture, and depth. A true expression of South African Chenin Blanc at its most authentic.

Meet the Producer

False Bay Vineyards, founded by Paul Boutinot of Waterkloof, is dedicated to producing ‘real’ wines. Using sustainable farming and minimal intervention in the cellar, they create wines that are honest, expressive, and deeply connected to their terroir.

Production

Grapes are sourced from old bush vines in the Swartland, where naturally low yields ensure concentration and acidity. Although less coastal than Stellenbosch, the age and resilience of these vines produce exceptional fruit quality. Hand-harvested grapes are fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks and aged on their lees for a minimum of ten months. No additions are made other than sulphur as a preservative. The wine is vegan friendly, sustainably farmed, and naturally crafted.

Tasting Notes

Ripe citrus and green plum on the nose, with lightly bready notes and hints of fennel and aniseed. The palate shows concentrated zesty fruit, creamy lemon character, taut acidity, and impressive textural complexity from the long, slow fermentation.

Food Match

Equally at home with lobster and seafood as it is with risotto or herb roast chicken. Also pairs beautifully with lightly spiced dishes.

Grape Varieties

Chenin Blanc 100%