False Bay Slow Chenin Blanc 2025

The Producer

False Bay Vineyards is the brainchild of Paul Boutinot, founder of the acclaimed Waterkloof Estate on the slopes of Schapenberg. An independent company within the Waterkloof family, False Bay exists to prove that real, naturally crafted wine doesn’t have to cost the earth. Every bottle is made by Cellarmaster Nadia Langenegger using grapes from mature, often old, and always naturally balanced vineyards across the Cape’s Coastal Region. Wild yeast, minimal intervention, and zero compromise — that’s the False Bay way. The range has earned seven Platter’s Good Value awards and a DWWA Silver Medal (90 points) for the Slow Chenin Blanc 2024. All wines are vegan-friendly, WWF Biodiversity Champion certified, and WIETA accredited.

Vintage & Terroir

The 2025 vintage delivered beautifully concentrated old bush vine Chenin Blanc from the Coastal Region. Old vines are the secret to standout Chenin — their naturally low yields and deep root systems produce small, intensely flavoured berries with the bright acidity that makes this variety so compelling. The cool maritime influence of the nearby Atlantic ensures slow, even ripening.

In the Cellar

Hand-harvested grapes are fermented spontaneously with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks — no commercial cultures, no shortcuts. The wine is then left on its lees for a minimum of ten months before bottling, adding bready complexity and creamy texture to the vibrant fruit core. As with all False Bay wines, the only addition is a small dose of sulphur as a preservative.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale straw with golden highlights.
Nose: Orchard fruit and nectarine, with dried herbaceous notes of fennel and aniseed from the nearby fynbos, layered with a creamy lemon character and subtle honeyed undertones.
Palate: Fresh, soft, and elegant — stone fruit, white pear, and apricot flavours are supported by a creamy, textured mouthfeel from extended lees ageing. Bright natural acidity keeps everything vibrant and alive.
Finish: Long and lingering with a bready complexity and citrus freshness.

Food Pairing

Brilliant with grilled linefish and a squeeze of lemon, creamy chicken pasta, or a simple herb-roasted butternut salad. It’s equally at home with sushi, a Cape Malay curry, or just a sunny afternoon on the stoep. Serve chilled at 8–10°C.

Technical Details

Our Guarantee

Every bottle of False Bay Slow Chenin Blanc is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If this wine doesn’t hit the spot, we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just honest wine and honest service.