Grilled meats, dark chocolate, pasta ai funghi

Black cherry, plum, black pepper, forest floor, and licorice. A persistent finish with integrated tannins.

Varietal:

Grenache, Carignan, Pinotage, Cinsault

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Classic

Region: Swartland, South Africa

Tremayne Smith's journey into winemaking began in East London, where he initially pursued a career as a chef. Influenced by his father's passion for wine, he transitioned into the world of winemaking. After completing his studies, he honed his skills as the assistant winemaker and vineyard manager at Sijnn, followed by a stint at Mullineux, before assuming the role of winemaker at Fable. In 2014, Tremayne embarked on his own venture, The Blacksmith, driven by his experiences working with varietals like Cinsault, Carignan, and Grenache, both locally and abroad. The ethos of The Blacksmith centers on crafting natural wines that captivate the senses and resonate with the soul. Tremayne possesses a profound understanding of the nuances involved in producing natural wines.

Flank Steak with Chimichurri, Lentil Salad, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Ripe blackberries, juicy plums, tart cranberry, violet, and pepper

Varietal:

Cayuga White, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch

Vintage:

• NV

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Food Wine

Region: Seneca Lake, USA

Founded in 2011 by the father-son duo Ken and Ian Barry, Barry Family Cellars, situated in Burdett, New York, focuses on crafting small-batch, avant-garde wines that mirror the terroir and vintage. Collaborating with local grape growers, they highlight the distinct flavors of each vineyard, embracing simplicity with minimal intervention in the cellar. Their portfolio boasts unfiltered, unfined, and consistently vegan wines.

Oily fish like sardines, chorizo tacos with cilantro, and a mushroom risotto

Cherry, pomegranate, white pepper, smoke, and dried Christmas trees. Low in tannins, high in acidity, and medium in body. A bit of salt on the finish, like island waves washing over your palate

Varietal:

Listán Negro, Vijariego Negro, Baboso Negro

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Canary Islands, Spain

In the heart of the Canary Islands, Spain, Borja Pérez is rewriting the story of Tenerife’s wines. Passionate, innovative, and deeply connected to the island’s volcanic soils, he champions natural winemaking with a focus on native varietals like Listán Blanco, Listán Negro, and Baboso Negro.

Borja’s wines are pure expressions of place—wild, electric, and full of life. No heavy oak, no shortcuts—just honest, terroir-driven wines that capture the raw beauty of Tenerife.

Bold, fresh, unforgettable—this is Canary Islands wine, reimagined.

Oily fish like sardines, chorizo tacos with cilantro, and a mushroom risotto

Cherry, pomegranate, white pepper, smoke, and dried Christmas trees. Low in tannins, high in acidity, and medium in body. A bit of salt on the finish, like island waves washing over your palate

Varietal:

Listán Negro, Vijariego Negro, Baboso Negro

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Canary Islands, Spain

In the heart of the Canary Islands, Spain, Borja Pérez is rewriting the story of Tenerife’s wines. Passionate, innovative, and deeply connected to the island’s volcanic soils, he champions natural winemaking with a focus on native varietals like Listán Blanco, Listán Negro, and Baboso Negro.

Borja’s wines are pure expressions of place—wild, electric, and full of life. No heavy oak, no shortcuts—just honest, terroir-driven wines that capture the raw beauty of Tenerife.

Bold, fresh, unforgettable—this is Canary Islands wine, reimagined.

Thai Green Curry, Jollof Rice with Grilled Chicken, Goat Cheese Salad with Figs & Honey

Apple, pear, white peach, and chamomile.

Varietal:

Chenin Blanc

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Swartland, South Africa

Craig & Carla Hawkins are the proud owners of TESTALONGA, a venture that took root in 2008 with the inception of their inaugural wine, a Skin Macerated Chenin Blanc. Operating from rented 11 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards nestled within the granite soils of the Paardeberg, along with an additional 4 hectares situated on the Sandstone soils of the Piketberg, TESTALONGA remains deeply rooted in its commitment to natural winemaking practices. In 2015, the acquisition of Bandits Kloof farm in the slate-rich northern mountains of the Swartland marked a significant milestone. Here, the couple embarked on a new journey, focusing on cultivating Mediterranean grape varieties, with the first vineyards planted in 2018.

French Tartiflette, Thai Food, Pizza

Baked apple, peach, orange peel, and ginger.

Varietal:

Chenin Blanc

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 11.4%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Swartland, South Africa

Adorning the emblem of Wightman & Sons is a symbolic hand trowel, paying homage to Andrew Wightman's extensive background as a builder, while a bush vine signifies his latest endeavor: overseeing a 24-hectare farm named Môrelig in the Swartland region. This special terrain boasts a diverse array of seven organically farmed varietals, capturing the attention of esteemed winemakers within the Swartland community for its exceptional quality and distinct expression. While much of the farm's yield is eagerly sought after by renowned producers like Craig Hawkins, Eben Sadie, and Jurgen Gouws, Andrew, alongside his son Brandon, embarked on their winemaking journey with their debut label in 2015, producing a modest 900 cases annually.