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October 2026 - Red Club

 
saumur champigny rouge dom des sables verts natural Red wine Loire France
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Reigning Sun Red The Blacksmith Natural Red Wine Coastal Region South Africa Front

A Word From Our Founder

October is red wine season. The nights get cooler and dinners get heartier, and the bottles we open start to get a little deeper. This month’s Red Club travels from the Loire Valley to the Catalan coast and down to South Africa’s Western Cape. It’s a lineup of reds that are fresh and full of energy, with plenty of savory depth for fall cooking.

You’ll find a bright, herbal Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny and a juicy Catalan red that’s easy to love. There’s also a spicy, crunchy South African blend that’s fun to drink, and a cool-climate Elgin Syrah that’s elegant and peppery. None of them are heavy. Each one has real character, and they’re made by growers who farm thoughtfully and work gently in the cellar.

Serve them with a light chill, about 20 minutes in the fridge, and let them open up in the glass. Thank you for being part of the club. Cheers!

— Holly

October 2026 - Red Club

Featured Club Videos!

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Club Pick 1

A 100% Cabernet Franc from organically farmed, 28-year-old vines in Saumur-Champigny. The vineyards sit at 60 to 80m on deep clay-limestone soils, green sands, and chalky tuffeau. Hand harvested and fully destemmed, the grapes ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, with separate 5-day and 15-day macerations. Aged for seven months in stainless steel, with a low dose of sulfur added before bottling.

Roast chicken, grilled pork, sausages, mushroom dishes, goat cheese

Red berries, black cherry, fresh herbs, earthy minerality, bright acidity, fine tannins, savory finish

Varietal

Cabernet Franc

Vintage:

  • 2024

ABV:

  • 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Region: Loire Valley , France

Caroline and Hervé Maligne founded Domaine des Sables Verts in 2018 after purchasing a 16-hectare estate in Varrains, in the heart of Saumur-Champigny. The domaine is planted primarily to Cabernet Franc, with a small amount of Chenin Blanc, across 33 parcels.

They farm organically and hand-harvest all grapes, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts. Winemaking is minimal-intervention, with little to no additives beyond a small amount of sulfur before bottling. Their wines focus on freshness, terroir, and purity.

Club Pick 3

$25.00 Sale • Save

A vibrant, fruit-forward red from South Africa, with a bright, spicy character that’s great with hearty meals. A true reflection of the sunny, warm landscape.

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

Style:

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.