Grilled Fish, White Pasta, Octopus

Varietal:

Chenin Blanc

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Glou Glou, Party, Hype Juice

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.

Gochujang Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons & Olives, Honey Ricotta with Grilled Peaches

Orange, lemon, apricot, mango,honeysuckle, and pepper.

Varietal:

Airen

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Castilla y Leon, Spain

Julien Hamou Lopez's grandfather defied convention as a Ribera del Duero winemaker. Planting vines in Coruña del Conde in 1970, he spent 40 years honing his craft in French wine and barrel making. Upon returning to Spain in 1990, he brought back not just experience but a profound reverence for nature. Guided by this philosophy, he transformed his family's 8 hectares into a biodiverse farm, prioritizing "living wines" that echoed the grapes and the land's essence. In 2013, Julien took the reins after his father's passing, continuing the family legacy alongside his wife Angelica and cousins. Their vineyards, boasting vines over a century old (with the youngest at 23), reflect their commitment to natural practices.

Ricotta Fritters, Couscous Alla Trapanese, Sfincione

Rainier cherry, cantaloupe and peach.

Varietal:

Catarratto

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 11%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Glou Glou

Region: Sicily, Italy

Flavia Rallo, a young wine producer of the fourth generation of the historic Rallo family, is dedicated to producing native Sicilian wines that embody the values of her great grandfather. They focus on spreading the culture of good wine and quality products from their territory, emphasizing natural winemaking practices. Their wines are made from certified organic fruit, are unfiltered, and have very low sulphite contents. These wines originate from the family's historic vineyards dating back to 1860, located between Contrada Birgi and Paolini, near the Riserva dello Stagnone and the historic Marsala salt pans. The influence of the sea contributes to mineral-rich soils with high sapidity, resulting in unique wines with Sicilian flavors and aromas.

Thai Green Curry, Yassa Poulet, Goat Cheese Salad with Figs & Honey

Orange, grapefruit, cranberry, white flowers and pepper.

Varietal:

Skin-contact Clairette, Direct press Cinsault

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Languedoc, France

Olivier Cohen, a dynamic winemaker hailing from the Hérault region in the Languedoc near Montpellier, is the visionary behind Les Vignes d’Olivier. His repertoire boasts an exquisite rosé and an array of captivating red wines.

Initially immersed in the wine-selling scene, Olivier's journey took a pivotal turn while working at renowned natural wine bars like La Part des Anges in Nice and Vinivore nearby. It was here that his ardor for natural winemaking ignited, propelling him towards his own viticultural pursuit.

Seeking mentorship and hands-on experience, Olivier ventured to Corsica to collaborate with the esteemed Antoine Arena.