Seven wines that’s perfect for this time of year

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the urge to shake off winter’s heaviness and reach for something lighter, brighter, and altogether more cheerful in the glass. Whether you’re planning a backyard braai, a picnic on the lawn, or simply a sundowner on the stoep, I’ve rounded up seven bottles worth pouring right now. The lineup spans three bubblies for celebration, a zesty white, two rosés for al fresco lunches, and a box wine for casual gatherings. All are proudly South African, and all are available on Takealot for next-day delivery.

Graham Beck Brut Non-Vintage 

Style: Cap Classique, 57% Pinot Noir / 43% Chardonnay

Why for spring: Known as “The President’s Choice,” this iconic bubbly was served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and again when Barack Obama toasted his election victory in Chicago in 2008 – the Obamas reportedly ordered six bottles for the occasion. Light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit, and a rich creamy complexity on the palate make this a benchmark South African sparkling wine. If you’re celebrating the start of a new season, there’s no better cork to pop.

Food pairing: Fresh oysters, langoustines, or smoked salmon blinis. Its richness also stands up to a lightly dressed chicken salad.

Buy it HERE

Spier Cap Classique Brut 

Style: Cap Classique, 70% Chardonnay / 30% Pinot Noir, Méthode Champenoise

Why for spring: From one of Stellenbosch’s most visited wine farms, this vintage Cap Classique offers elegant green apple and citrus notes with a touch of yeasty complexity, balanced by refreshing acidity and a sophisticated mouthfeel. It’s versatile enough to pour at a spring lunch or to ring in a birthday.

Food pairing: Serve with fresh seafood, sushi, or a goat’s cheese salad. The Chardonnay backbone also makes it a lovely match for lemon butter sole.

Buy it HERE

Kleine Zalze Brut 

Style: Cap Classique (Méthode Champenoise)

Why for spring: Crisp, clean, and celebratory – this is the bottle you pop when the first warm afternoon rolls around. Made in the traditional method, it delivers fine bubbles and a refreshing acidity that wakes up the palate. Serve well chilled as an aperitif, or alongside a platter of fresh oysters if you’re feeling fancy.

Food pairing: Fresh oysters, sushi, or a light starter of melon and prosciutto. Also brilliant on its own as a sundowner.

Buy it HERE

Alvi’s Drift 221 Sauvignon Blanc 

Style: Crisp dry white, 13.2% ABV

Why for spring: The winery’s own tasting notes describe this wine as “evoking images of spring and early summer” – and they’re not wrong. Aromas of lime, white peach, passionfruit, and gooseberry jump from the glass, followed by refreshing citrus acidity and an elegant creamy mid-palate. It earned a Double Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.

Food pairing: The winery recommends it with a zingy green smoked salmon or chicken salad, lemon butter sole, or simply fish and chips on the patio. Also great with a summer pasta in a light cream sauce.

Buy it as a SINGLE BOTTLE or as a BOX of 6

Alvi’s Drift Signature Pinotage Rosé 

Style: Dry rosé, 100% Pinotage, 12.8% ABV

Why for spring: A gold medal winner at both the 2024 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge and the 2024 Lumo Awards, this rosé offers exceptional quality at a friendly price. Delicate pale pink in the glass, with fruit-forward aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon, crisp acidity, and a light, smooth texture. It’s the kind of wine that disappears quickly at a picnic – so maybe order two.

Food pairing: Smoked salmon, sushi, grilled prawns, and charcuterie boards. Also lovely with a watermelon and feta salad on a hot afternoon.

Buy it as a SINGLE BOTTLE or a BOX of 6

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rosé 

Style: Dry rosé, 100% Pinotage

Why for spring: From one of South Africa’s most revered estates in Stellenbosch, this rosé pours a light salmon-pink and delivers aromas of blackcurrant, strawberry, and rose petal, leading to a fresh, medium-bodied palate with juicy, lingering acidity. The winery recommends it for summer foods and suggests serving it chilled at 8-10°C. Pack it in the cooler bag for a long lunch outdoors – it pairs beautifully with cold meats, soft cheeses, and sunshine.

Food pairing: Cold meats, soft cheeses, and charcuterie. The winery recommends it for summer foods – think grilled cob, fresh salads, and anything you’d serve on a picnic blanket.

Buy it HERE

Du Toitskloof Chenin Blanc BIB 3000ml (3-litre box wine)

Style: Off-dry white, 12.5% ABV, bag-in-box

Why for spring: Du Toitskloof’s 3-litre Chenin Blanc was named Best Boxed White Wine at the 2012 Spit or Swallow Box Wine Awards after a blind tasting of 33 box wines. The wine inside is identical to the bottled version. It erupts with apple, pear, pineapple, and tropical fruit, ending with a crisp, pleasing finish. The 3-litre format is brilliant for spring braais and gatherings: it stays fresh for weeks after opening, travels where glass can’t, and serves roughly 20 glasses. Perfect for a crowd.

Food pairing: The winery suggests seafood, chicken, pasta, and salads. At a braai, pour it alongside grilled fish, chicken kebabs, or a big bowl of pasta salad. Chill it well and let people help themselves.

Buy it HERE

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