The Producer

Maasbaai captures the wild beauty of South Africa’s rugged coastline — soulful wines shaped by the spirit of the ocean. The name evokes the untamed bays and windswept shores of the Cape coast, and every bottle carries that sense of place. Crafted by a respected Cape winemaker, the Maasbaai range celebrates the raw, honest beauty of South African terroir with wines that are expressive, characterful and utterly drinkable. Every bottle sold donates R5 to Clean C — helping fund beach clean-ups and protect our coastline for future generations. Pour a glass of Maasbaai and you’re not just enjoying great wine, you’re giving back to the coast that inspired it.

Vintage & Terroir

The 2024 vintage delivered warm, generous conditions ideal for Chardonnay — South Africa’s most popular white grape and one that thrives across a range of Cape terroirs. The fruit for this wine comes from carefully selected vineyard blocks in the Western Cape, where warm days ripen the grapes to golden perfection while cool maritime-influenced evenings preserve freshness and acidity. Well-drained soils contribute subtle minerality, and the gentle coastal influence adds a saline, fresh-baked quality that lifts the wine and makes it distinctly “Cape coast” in character.

In the Cellar

The Chardonnay grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness and gently whole-bunch pressed to preserve delicate aromatics. The juice was cold-settled before a controlled fermentation — predominantly in stainless steel to retain fruit purity, with a small portion seeing brief oak contact to add a touch of toasty richness and roundness. Extended lees contact contributed a creamy, biscuity texture that complements the ripe fruit character. The result is a Chardonnay that’s sun-kissed and softly rounded, without the heaviness of heavily oaked styles.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Golden straw with bright, luminous highlights.
Nose: Ripe pear, baked apple and gentle citrus notes, with hints of vanilla, toasted almond and a subtle buttery richness.
Palate: Medium-bodied and softly rounded, with generous stone fruit and citrus flavours supported by a creamy, lees-derived texture. The oak influence is subtle — adding warmth and complexity without overpowering the fruit. A fresh, mineral thread runs through the palate, keeping everything balanced.
Finish: Clean and satisfying, with lingering pear and citrus notes and a gentle, toasty warmth.

Food Pairing

A versatile food wine — pair with pan-fried linefish with lemon butter, a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, or grilled crayfish with herb butter. It also works beautifully alongside a butternut risotto, a warm goat’s cheese salad, or a simple cheese board with brie and grapes. For a coastal braai, try it with buttered West Coast mussels. Serve at 10–12°C.

Technical Details

Our Guarantee

Every case of Maasbaai Chardonnay 2024 is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.