6 Must-Try South African Wines for Summer: 3 Crisp Whites and 3 BBQ-Ready Reds
As August rolls in, we are all squeezing in our plans to the last true month of summer. That means backyard barbecues, get-togethers with friends and family, and beach time to the max! Finding budget-friendly wines that are also crowd-pleasers can be tricky, but to find a perfect combo of these two we only need to look to a wine region that can deliver both - South Africa. South African wines consistently offer great quality, excellent value, and impressive flexibility in pairing, which is why sommeliers frequently choose them for their diverse wine lists and home cellars.
I’ve curated a list of six wines below that will be sure to keep palates happy and those summer vibes flowing!
Bold Reds With Big Flavour: 3 Bottles That Stand Up to the Grill
South African red wines are one of my favourite go-to styles for backyard barbecues. Their rich character and earthy tones match so well with grilled meat - plus, my friends and family love them just as much as I do. Try these bottles to elevate your next grill fest:
Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, $19.95
A sustainably certified, full-bodied, complex and earthy Cabernet Sauvignon that undergoes a 22-month aging period in French oak. Dark berries, purple plum, dates, and baking spice notes unfold on the palate, with firm, but rounded tannins and a cooling minerality contributing finesse and precision. Undeniably great value! Pair with T-bone steak or grilled pork chops.
Fishwives Club Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, $15.00
A Fair Trade and Vegan friendly wine, you can definitely feel good sipping this full-bodied Cab. Aromas of graphite, chocolate and licorice are entirely captivating. Blackberry and vanilla intertwine on a smooth, juicy palate with a serious coffee finish. Pair with Shish-kabobs or grilled steak burritos.
Stormy Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, $11.70
This is a medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from the Breedekloof region of the Western Cape. Seductive blackberry, tobacco, and dried rose petal aromas continue to a juicy palate with dark earthy notes and a sweet oak finish. Pair with a burger straight off the grill with the works.
A Trio of Crisp South African Whites for Effortless Warm-Weather Drinking
Affordable, easy-drinking South African white wines are the perfect choice for warm-weather sipping. Of course, they make an excellent choice for the beach or poolside.
Protea Pinot Grigio 2025, $15.00
This Pinot Grigio comnes from the Western Cape W.O. of South Africa. Light-bodied and highly approachable, this certified sustainable wine delivers notes of pear, grapefruit and lemon. Zesty, and a creamy palate that offers plenty of lees-aging texture and a long finish. The brand encourages an upcycling of the beautiful botte too! Pair with lakeside views.
Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024, $15.00
A refreshingly crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Stellenbosch W.O. of South Africa. Edgy and complex, this wine opens with lime, guava, and green pepper aromas. Tropical fruit blooms on a light-bodied palate, underpinned by delicate green notes of celery, starfruit, and white pepper on the finish. Pair with shrimp and other seafood dishes.
Two Oceans Chardonnay 2024, $12.95
This Chardonnay is sourced primarily from Robertson, Stellenbosch and Malmesbury vineyards. Medium-bodied with a soft, luxurious texture and bright citric acidity to counterpoint. Tropical fruit flavours such as pineapple and mango, with honeycomb and almond notes. Pair with french fries or a cheese board.
These six South African wines are just as diverse as the landscapes they come from, but they all showcase the regions potential for exciting wine profiles, from elegant, crisp whites to luxuriously bold reds. So, grab one of these bottles, pour confidently, sip slowly, and savour every last moment summer in style!