The South African wine industry is in trouble and needs your help
The current ban on alcohol sales in South Africa is necessary to free up hospital beds and healthcare workers for the more urgent requirements of Covid-19. Sadly, South Africans are very irresponsible drinkers so moderation or leaving it up to the individual is not an option. But, as sensible and necessary as that ban is, it is disastrous for the South African wine industry. Wineries, restaurants, and liquor stores are directly affected, as well as all their suppliers, their staff and their dependents.
Many small wineries will suffer enormously, especially those that do not have an export market. Export of wine is still permitted so we’re encouraging everyone to buy South African wine wherever possible. This will assist the industry and all those who work in it. And our wines are excellent so you won’t regret it!
Delheim, Stellenbosch
Delheim is not a very old wine estate when compared to some of the original ones that are 300+ years old but it has been in the Sperling family since they arrived from Germany in the 1950s, and is still family owned and run.
Located on the R44, Delheim was one of a group of several wineries that launched the original Stellenbosch Wine Route in 1971. The idea of visiting wineries to taste wines on site was a novel one and it not only gave locals something new and fun to do but created awareness for the various wineries and wine drinking in general. I remember visiting Delheim about 30 years ago with friends for a cheese and wine tasting. It was one of my first ever wine tastings at a winery and we still pop in sometimes on our winelands tour.
The range is extensive – whites, a very popular Pinotage Rosé, an assortment of excellent reds and dessert wines – including the famous Edelspatz. My personal favourites are the Rosé, the Shiraz/Cabernet blend and Grand Reserve. The Rosé is fabulous for warm weather, nice and dry even though there is a small amount of Muscat; 4% adds to the nose!! I find it soft and very easy drinking.
The Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blend is easy everyday drinking, also quite soft and not too heavy. This one and the Rosé are very affordable. My third favourite is a bit pricier so it’s for special occasions: the Grand Reserve which is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with very small amount of Merlot or Cabernet Franc – full bodied and just plain lovely.
Another varietal worth a mention is the very popular Chenin Blanc Wild Ferment. Chenin is South Africa’s most loved white wine and this one really stands out. It has a slightly woody flavour and pairs extremely well with any food. This is not a casual drinking wine, in the upper ranges.
Wherever you are in the world, you can order Delheim wines. Just email Pauline on orders@delheim.com for prices and information.
Stellenbosch street soirées are a huge hit 
Two excellent white wines in the Delheim range – the Sauvignon Blanc and the Gewürztraminer 
The cosy tasting room 
Harvest time is the best time! 
The famous Delheim Jack Russells were inadvertently locked inside one night ..
