Fairview Celebrates Top 100 and Double Platinum Wins at the National Wine Challenge

Fairview has once again been recognised amongst South Africa’s best at the National Wine Challenge, with four wines earning the competition’s highest accolade of Top 100 and Double Platinum status. In addition, Fairview Primo Pinotage 2023 was awarded a Double Gold Medal, reinforcing Fairview’s reputation for quality, innovation, and consistency across the cellar.

Award-Winning Fairview Wines at the National Wine Challenge

This year, four Fairview wines achieved both Top 100 and Double Platinum status:

• Fairview Old Vine Project Steen 2024

• Fairview Altesse 2025

• Fairview Beryl Back 2024

• Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2023

In addition, Fairview Primo Pinotage 2023 received a Double Gold Medal, further highlighting the depth of quality in the range.

Our National Wine Challenge Double Platinum & Top 100 wines

About the Awards

For sixteen years, the National Wine Challenge has been regarded as one of South Africa’s most rigorous wine competitions. To earn a place amongst the Top 100 requires exceptional scores from a panel of local and international judges, making these awards a meaningful recognition of the work happening in both Fairview’s vineyards and cellar.

What These Awards Mean for Fairview

What makes this achievement particularly proud is the diversity of the wines recognised. From old vine Chenin Blanc and a fresh Bordeaux blend to Shiraz and Pinotage, these awards reflect the breadth of what Fairview stands for: curiosity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

The  celebrates wines that consistently perform at the highest level, and Fairview’s presence in this list is a testament to the team’s dedication to crafting wines that truly reflect the Cape.

Thank You from Fairview

To our winemaking team, vineyard team, and to everyone who continues to support Fairview, thank you. These awards are a shared achievement, and they inspire continued excellence in every vintage.

Here’s to another year of making wines that truly reflect the Cape.

Shop our award winning wines here – www.fairviewmarketplace.co.za

www.fairview.co.za

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A winter favourite, Fairview Shiraz & Shanks, returns to the slopes of Fairview this July, this time with an extra helping of laughter. On Saturday, 25 July 2026, Fairview’s Goatshed Restaurant will host Shiraz & Shanks and Comedy with Nik Rabinowitz, an evening of hearty food, exceptional wines, and one of South Africa’s most celebrated comedians.

There are few winter pairings more satisfying than a generous glass of Shiraz alongside a rich, slow-cooked lamb shank. At the Goatshed Restaurant, that comfort food classic becomes something even more memorable: a warm fire, a relaxed country setting, good company around the table, and a night designed to celebrate the best of winter dining in the Cape Winelands.

Chef SJ Nel has created a four-course menu inspired by seasonal flavours and refined country cooking, with each course paired to wines from the Fairview cellar. As Fairview’s flagship red variety, Shiraz will naturally take centre stage on the evening, supported by other cellar favourites chosen to complement the menu and elevate the dining experience.

Adding to the occasion, guests will enjoy a live performance by Nik Rabinowitz, one of South Africa’s most recognisable comedy voices. Raised on a farm outside Cape Town, Nik has spent nearly two decades entertaining audiences locally and abroad with sharp wit, quick observations, and a uniquely South African sense of humour. His warm, intelligent style makes him a perfect fit for an evening that blends great food, great wine, and great conversation.

Event details

Fairview Shiraz & Shanks and Comedy with Nik Rabinowitz

Saturday, 25 July 2026
Arrival: 18:00 – 18:30
Dinner: 19:00 – 22:00
Tickets: R975 per person

Book here

Includes a four-course dinner, selected wine pairings, and live comedy.

The Shiraz & Shanks evening has become one of the standout events on the Goatshed calendar, and with Nik Rabinowitz joining this year’s line-up, it promises to be one to remember. For guests looking for a memorable winter evening in Paarl, this is an event that brings together the very best of Fairview hospitality.

Booking is essential.

www.fairview.co.za

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We’ve discovered that goats fed on wine produce a cheese that may prevent a hangover!

It’s not something we expected to say out loud, but here we are.

Over the past year, we’ve been working with a small group of researchers studying how the body processes alcohol, with particular focus on the hepatic enzyme pathways involving alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. These enzymes catalyse the conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde, and then into acetic acid, which is ultimately eliminated from the body.

All fairly well understood.

What is less understood is how certain bioactive dairy proteins, particularly those found in sheep’s and goat’s milk, may interact with these pathways. Early-stage work suggested that specific casein-derived peptides could play a role in modulating enzymatic efficiency and reducing the oxidative stress associated with acetaldehyde accumulation.

In simpler terms… goat’s milk cheese make hangovers less severe.

Naturally, we took this a step further.

Rather than adding anything to the cheese afterwards, we started at the source. We built a gravity-fed pipeline that runs directly from our cellar tanks, beneath the road, into the paddocks and pens. We’ve selected specific tanks of Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc in the name of science and for the goat’s drinking pleasure.

From there, the goats help themselves.

There is no strict control. Access is, for all intents and purposes,
ad lib.

They’ve taken to it rather enthusiastically.

The result is what we’re calling Babelas Bok Kaas. A functional goat’s cheese designed to work alongside the body’s natural alcohol-processing systems. In our tastings, the difference the next morning has been remarkable with the hangover you’d expect completely eliminated! Particularly when the cheese is enjoyed with Fairview wines.

Of course, there have been one or two practical challenges.

A small number of goats have, on occasion, failed to make the morning milking on time. Others have been known to lie down halfway through the process. One or two simply fall asleep where they stand.

But spirits are high.

They are, without exception, extremely jolly animals. There has been a marked increase in late-night activity, including what can only be described as enthusiastic group singing, often continuing into the early hours.

We see this as a positive.

This approach has also given us two distinct styles.

The Shiraz-fed goats produce a deeper, more richly coloured cheese. Thanks to the higher levels of resveratrol, it seems to help the body better manage the by-products of alcohol metabolism, leading to a far more civilised morning after.

The Sauvignon Blanc-fed goats, using fruit from Darling, produce a lighter, brighter cheese. Here, the naturally fresh acidity and aromatic compounds appear to help the body keep pace as the evening unfolds and will into the morning.

In simple terms, everything just runs a little smoother!

Interestingly, both cheeses perform best when paired with Fairview wines. We have tried a few alternatives, but with far less convincing results.

Naturally, this has opened up a new area for us: functional goat’s cheese.

We’ve begun experimenting with a creatine-enriched cheese for recovery and a nootropic version aimed at focus and mental clarity.

And then, inevitably, things escalated.

We are currently trialling a tobacco-fed cheese, where goats are introduced to carefully selected tobacco leaves to produce a naturally nicotine-influenced milk. Nicotine is known to interact with receptors in the brain linked to focus, alertness, and cognitive sharpness.

The idea is simple.

All the stimulation, none of the cigarettes.
Or vapes. Or tobacco pouches.

Just nicotine rich cheese.

There are, admittedly, still one or two regulatory conversations to be had.

In the meantime, Babelas Bok Kaas feels like a very good
place to start.

It seems the goats have been holding out on us!

Watch this space!

Charles Back

SHOP BABELAS BOK KAAS – Click here

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Wine Tasting Near Cape Town: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, or Paarl?

 

Planning a day of wine tasting near Cape Town is one of the best ways to experience the Cape Winelands. With rolling vineyards, historic towns, and welcoming wine estates, the region offers a rich blend of culture, food, and, of course, world-class wines.

For many visitors, the first names that come up are Stellenbosch wine farms and Franschhoek wine estates. Stellenbosch is home to renowned vineyards and a long academic heritage, while Franschhoek charms with French-inspired hospitality and its famous wine tram. Both regions are well worth a visit.

But in between these two celebrated destinations lies Paarl, a town often described as one of the Cape’s hidden gems. And at its heart, you’ll find Fairview Wine and Cheese, where the story of Paarl’s food and wine culture comes vividly to life.

Paarl: A Cape Winelands Treasure

 

Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Paarl is one of the oldest wine regions in South Africa. Known for its dramatic granite outcrops, heritage architecture, and spacious wine farms in Paarl, the town offers a slower pace without losing any of the quality.

Alongside its natural beauty, Paarl is home to some of South Africa’s best red wines and increasingly recognised for producing some of South Africa’s best white wines, particularly Chenin Blanc. With fewer crowds than other regions, tastings feel more relaxed and personal.

Visitors can combine a glass of wine with a walk through history. Paarl is home to the Afrikaans Language Monument, charming Cape Dutch homesteads, and a growing food scene. Whether you’re searching for “wine farms near me open today”or planning a longer Cape Winelands trip, Paarl offers both heritage and hospitality in abundance.

Fairview vineyards in Paarl

Fairview Wine Estate: A Taste of the Cape

 

At the centre of Paarl’s story is Fairview, a destination where wine, food, and farm life all meet. Established by the Back family, Fairview farm has become one of the most recognisable names in the Cape Winelands thanks to its innovation, hospitality, and characterful wines.

Here’s what makes Fairview a must-visit:

• A wine tasting near Cape Town with flights that showcase vineyards from Darling, Swartland, Paarl, and Piekenierskloof. This unique spread gives visitors a taste of the Cape’s most expressive terroirs, all in one place.
• Award-winning red wines, including Shiraz, Grenache, and Pinotage, alongside a selection of white wines that showcase the Cape’s diversity, like Chenin Blanc, which has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated varieties.
• A celebrated cheese range made right on the farm, offering one of the most authentic cheese and wine pairing experiences in South Africa.
• The famous Goat Tower, home to a lively herd of Saanen goats, a symbol of Fairview’s playful but pioneering spirit.
• The Goatshed Restaurant, one of the top Winelands restaurants, where farm-to-table dining celebrates seasonal ingredients and pairs seamlessly with Fairview’s wines.

→ Plan Your Visit to Fairview → Book a Tasting → Shop Fairview Wines Online

Planning Your Wine Tasting Trip

 

If you’re building a Cape Winelands itinerary, here are some practical tips:

• When to Visit: September to April is ideal for sunny tastings and vineyard views. Harvest time (February–March) adds extra buzz.
• Where to Eat: From Franschhoek wine estates with fine dining to Stellenbosch vineyards with bistros, the region is full of choices. But for hearty, seasonal fare, Fairview’s Goatshed remains a favourite.
• Travel Tips: The N1 makes Paarl easily accessible. Many travellers combine visits to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl in one day, but Fairview alone can fill an entire afternoon.

 

Wine Tasting at Fairview

Conclusion: The Cape Winelands in One Place

 

When choosing between Stellenbosch wine farms, Franschhoek vineyards, and Paarl wine farms, the truth is: each region has something unique to offer. But Paarl provides a blend of space, heritage, and authenticity that makes it particularly rewarding.

And at the centre of it all, Fairview Estate gives you the chance to taste not just Paarl, but the Cape itself. With vineyards stretching from Darling to Piekenierskloof, award-winning red wines, distinctive white wines like Chenin Blanc, artisanal cheese, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, Fairview is more than a stop, it’s the heart of your Cape Winelands journey.

→ Explore Wines Online → Plan Your Visit to Fairview

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The Cape Winelands is where flavour, history, and natural beauty converge—rolling vineyards, elegant wine estates, and a sense of adventure in every glass. It’s no surprise that this region has become one of South Africa’s top destinations for travellers. Around every bend you’ll find a wine estate with excellent wine, delicious food, and scenic escapes.

And if there’s one wine estate that captures the full magic of the Cape Winelands, it’s Fairview. With vineyards in Paarl, Darling, and the Swartland, and grapes sourced from as far as the Piekenierskloof, Fairview offers a rare, multifaceted taste of the Cape’s most expressive wine regions; all from a single, accessible destination. It’s the perfect place to begin (or deepen) your journey through South African wine.

Now, from the cool Atlantic slopes of Darling, comes a new expression of that diversity: Fairview Altesse 2024.

What Makes the Cape Winelands Special?

Few wine regions in the world offer as much diversity as the Cape Winelands. Here, altitude, ocean breezes, and ancient soils create ideal conditions for growing a wide range of grape varieties, from bold reds to vibrant whites. The proximity to both mountains and the sea shapes wines with freshness, structure, and a strong sense of place.

The climate varies dramatically from valley to coast. Inland, the warm days and cool nights favour robust reds like Shiraz and Pinotage. Closer to the ocean, in places like Darling, cool breezes and morning fog allow varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon to thrive; resulting in layered, expressive white blends. It’s in this corner of the Cape that Fairview found inspiration for a new classic.

Discover Fairview Altesse 2024 • A Wine Estate Reimagines the Classics

Part of Fairview’s Regional Revival Range, Altesse 2024 is a fresh take on the famed white blends of Bordeaux, but with a distinct Cape identity. It’s crafted on the rolling vineyards of Darling, where the vines face the Atlantic and grow in step with the sea breeze.

The blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon captures the essence of the coast. Sauvignon brings zesty citrus and ocean-spray freshness. Sémillon adds depth, silkiness, and structure. Together, they create a wine that is elegant yet full of energy; with notes of white peach, orange blossom, and that unmistakable maritime salinity.

The label itself tells the story: a vintage-style postage stamp, complete with a lighthouse overlooking waves and vineyards, signalling the blend’s roots in the cool coastal hills of Darling. It’s a wine born from origin, defined by terroir, and shaped by Fairview’s restless pursuit of quality.

Food pairings? Try Altesse with grilled prawns, slow-roasted chicken, or aged cheese. It has the complexity to pair with rich flavours but the freshness to drink effortlessly.

→ Buy Fairview Altesse 2024 Online
→ Shop All Fairview Wines

Inside the Bottle – Winemaking & Tasting Notes

Fairview Altesse 2024 is crafted with precision and place in mind. A blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Sémillon, it reflects both the vibrancy of the Darling coast and the quiet intensity of a wine made with care. “Altesse symbolises ‘altitude and sea’ the two greatest influences on Darling’s terroir,” explains Charles Back. “It’s a wine rooted in place, shaped by the wind, and refined by time.”

The grapes were harvested early from Fairview’s best sites on the Alexanderfontein and Lanner Hill farms. These high-altitude vineyards overlook Yzerfontein’s distant breakers and benefit from deep, lime-rich red soils and constant maritime influence. “These conditions extend the ripening window, allowing the fruit to retain acidity while developing complex flavour,” says Cellarmaster Anthony de Jager.

Gently whole-bunch pressed before sunrise, the juice was settled for 48 hours. The Sauvignon Blanc was fermented and aged on gross lees in stainless steel for nine months, adding mineral precision. The Sémillon component was barrel-fermented in 500L French oak and matured for nine months, building roundness and texture.

In the glass, Altesse is straw-green with aromas of citrus, green fig, and herbs. The palate offers lime zest, nettle, and sea salt, lifted by the Sauvignon’s freshness and deepened by the Sémillon’s soft oak and rich mouthfeel. A vivid example of South African wine with site-driven character, made by a wine estate with decades of coastal vineyard experience.

Must-Visit Vineyards and Wine Estates in the Cape

Whether you’re exploring wine farms in Stellenbosch for lunch or looking for Franschhoek wine estate restaurants, the Cape offers plenty of incredible options—but Fairview stands out for its combination of wine, food, and farm charm.

Located in Paarl, Fairview is more than a cellar door. It’s a full experience:

• A world-class tasting room with guided wine and cheese pairings

• The Goatshed Restaurant, one of the most beloved Winelands restaurants

• A working goat farm, home to the famous Goat Tower

• And a rich heritage of innovation, storytelling, and characterful wines

Few wine estates in South Africa can match Fairview’s range—from flagship reds and Rhône-style whites to site-specific small-batch wines like Altesse. And for those searching for “vineyards near me” while in Cape Town, Fairview is only about an hour away.

→ Visit the Fairview Tasting Room
→ Dine at the Goatshed Restaurant
→ Plan Your Visit

Tips for Planning Your Cape Winelands Wine Trip

When to Visit:
The best months are September to April for sunny days, outdoor lunches, and vineyard views. Harvest time (Feb–March) offers added excitement.

Where to Stay:
There are countless charming farm stays, boutique hotels, and guesthouses in Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek—all close to Fairview.

Getting Around:
Hiring a car or driver is the most flexible way to explore the region. Many estates are located on scenic routes easily accessed from Cape Town.

Dining:
Many visitors search for lunch restaurants on wine farms in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek—but don’t miss Fairview’s Goatshed, which offers hearty, local, seasonal fare perfect for pairing with wine.

Bonus Tip:
Make time for Darling too. Known for its cool climate and coastal charm, it’s where Altesse is grown and one of the most exciting areas for South African white wines today.

Conclusion: Fairview – A Wine Estate Where the Cape Tells Its Story

Fairview Altesse 2024 is more than just a new release. It’s a reflection of place, climate, and curiosity. A wine rooted in Wine of Origin Darling, shaped by the ocean, and crafted to reimagine tradition with a distinctly Cape character. Whether you’re a local looking for wineries near me, a foodie seeking wine farms in Franschhoek with restaurants, or a traveller planning a Cape wine escape—Fairview belongs at the centre of your journey.

→ Explore Fairview’s Wines Online
→ Plan Your Visit to the Estate

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Salada Blanc: A smooth move on Feta

We’re thrilled to unveil our latest cheese sensation, Salada Blanc. This smooth and creamy feta isn’t just exceptional in salads—though it shines in them—but its versatility extends far beyond that.

 

Having been crowned the Best Danish-Style Feta at the 2024 SA Dairy Awards, Salada Blanc’s smooth texture is perfect for a wide range of dishes. Its effortless spreadability makes it ideal whether you’re slathering it on crusty bread, using it as a dip for your mezze platter, or incorporating it into your baking.

 

Here are two easy, delicious ways to enjoy it:

Feta and Herb Pizza

Ingredients:

• 200g Salada Blanc
• 1 pre-made pizza base or dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., cherry tomatoes, pesto, olives, spinach, roasted peppers)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C.
• Place the pizza base on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
• In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with minced garlic, oregano and thyme.Brush the garlic-herb oil mixture over the pizza base.
• Crumble Salada Blanc evenly over the base.
• Add your choice of toppings, spreading them evenly across the pizza.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is slightly melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven, slice, and serve immediately.

Mediterranean Mezze Dip | Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 200g Salada Blanc
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon pesto

Instructions:

• In a bowl, blend the Salada Blanc with olive oil, lemon juice, chilli flakes, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with pesto.  Serve with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables for a mezze dip that’s full of flavour and just the right amount of kick.

 

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Today we are overjoyed to introduce you to a wine inspired by another Fairview icon... Oom Pinnes.

Years ago, we made an incredibly well-loved and critically acclaimed wine called Oom Pagel. The wine was an oaked Semillon, affectionately named after a man who worked at Fairview all his life and with whom Charles had a special friendship. Oom Pagel was a descendant of the Malay slaves brought to the Cape by the Dutch, and Charles was fascinated by his stories, which spanned a century of life and times at Fairview. Although he never drank a drop, Semillon was his very favourite grape variety due to the big, juicy berries he would sample from the vineyard next to his home.

 

 

Oom Pagel's family, comprising the Adams and Fortuin families, has a seven generation connection with Fairview, with many of his descendants still employed in the winery, cheese factory, and administrative office to this day. With this Semillon, we honour his grandson, Oom Pinnes, who sadly passed away last year. Oom Pinnes officially worked at Fairview for over 45 years but would often be found helping in the cellar long after his retirement. It seems fitting to release this wine at this time, as his great-granddaughter, Clarissa, has just completed her first harvest in the Fairview cellar.

Hand-picked in the early morning and delivered cold to preserve the delicate flavours. The whole bunches are gently pressed, allowing for a natural fermentation in 500L French oak barrels. After nine months of aging in these oak barrels, the wine is bottled without stabilisation or filtration, ensuring its purity and authenticity. As a result, harmless sediment may occur, a testament to its natural crafting process and minimal intervention.

 

 

This Semillon presents a bright, pretty yellow colour with a green tinge. The nose bursts with aromas of lemon and lime, honey, and crushed seashells, complemented by brioche notes from the oak. On the palate, you'll find flavours of gooseberries, citrus, and sweet oak, finishing fresh with a long, savoury aftertaste. It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to improve in the bottle over the next 2-3 years under good storage conditions.

To LIFE...and Oom Pinnes.

 

Bloemcool Oom Pinnes

Semillon 2023

 

R300 per bottle

 

SHOP NOW

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