Look, we need to talk about Chenin Blanc.
Not because it’s suddenly “trending” (though Wine Enthusiast did just declare exactly that). But because this grape has been quietly brilliant in South African vineyards since before most of us were born, and it’s about time the rest of the world caught on to what we’ve known all along.
For generations, we didn’t even call it Chenin Blanc. It was just Steen. Simple as that. Your oupa probably had a few bottles stashed away, your ma might’ve made a killer potjie while sipping it on a Sunday afternoon. It was everywhere, unpretentious, reliable—like that mate who’s always there when you need them but never makes a fuss about it.
But here’s the thing: Steen wasn’t just any old grape. It turns out we’d been sitting on a goldmine the whole time.
The Backstory: From Workhorse to Thoroughbred
Chenin Blanc arrived at the Cape in 1655 with the Dutch East India Company—one of the very first vines planted in South African soil. For centuries, it just got on with the job. No fanfare, no fuss. It grew prolifically, survived our harsh summers, and became the backbone of our wine industry.
But that abundance became a bit of a curse. During the ’70s and ’80s, Chenin was planted everywhere, farmed intensively, and churned out in massive volumes. A lot of it ended up as brandy base or cheap plonk. The grape that should’ve been celebrated was being treated like a workhorse rather than the thoroughbred it actually is.
Then came the ’90s. Apartheid ended, South Africa opened up, and our winemakers got a proper look at what the rest of the world was doing. More importantly, they took a fresh look at what we had right here at home. Those old, gnarled Steen vines—some decades old, some pushing a century—suddenly looked different. They saw potential. They saw terroir. They saw a chance to make something world-class.
And that’s exactly what they did.
Why South Africa Owns This Grape
Here’s a fact that still surprises people: South Africa has more Chenin Blanc planted than anywhere else on earth. Not France. Not California. Us. We’ve got about 40,000 acres of the stuff, making up nearly a fifth of our total vineyards.
But it’s not just about quantity. Our climate, our soils, our old vines—everything lines up perfectly for this grape. From the windblown Swartland to the cooler slopes of Stellenbosch, we’re making Chenin in every style you can imagine. Crisp and zesty for a hot day. Rich and textured for a Sunday roast. Bone-dry or lusciously sweet. Even MCC bubbles that’ll give Champagne a proper run for its money.
No other grape can do what Chenin does. It’s versatile, it ages beautifully, and when it’s made well, it’s absolutely stunning.
What You’re Actually Tasting
This isn’t just wine nerd talk. When you pour yourself a glass of South African Chenin, you’re tasting a piece of our history. You’re tasting those old bush vines that survived apartheid, droughts, and nearly being ripped out in favour of more “fashionable” grapes. You’re tasting the winemakers who refused to give up on them.
Take something like the Steenkamp Ou Bosstok Steen 2023. “Ou Bosstok” means old bush vine, and that’s exactly what you get—concentrated, complex fruit from vines that have seen it all. Stone fruit, honey, bright acidity. It’s the kind of wine that makes you slow down and actually pay attention.
Or grab a bottle of Diemersfontein Chenin Blanc 2024 for a braai. Fresh, fruity, no oak—just pure, honest Chenin that pairs brilliantly with everything from boerewors to fish on the fire. It’s the kind of wine that disappears fast because everyone keeps topping up their glass.
If you want something with a bit more weight, the Opstal Chenin Blanc 2024 from Slanghoek is brilliant. There’s texture there, something that keeps you coming back to the glass. And the Pilgrim Chenin Blanc 2022? That’s one for the wine nerds—it evolves in the glass, tells a story, shows you what this grape can really do in the right hands.
Chenin Plays Well With Others, Too
While Chenin absolutely shines on its own, it’s also a hell of a team player in white blends. That acidity and structure make it the perfect backbone for other varieties.
Check out the Forager White Blend 2024. Chenin lays the foundation, then other grapes add layers of aromatics and complexity. It’s like a well-balanced rugby team—everyone has their role, and together they’re unstoppable.
And for our XCellar members, you’ll know what I’m talking about with the City by Dawn White Blend 2021. That’s Chenin playing in the big leagues, contributing to something seriously special—elegant, complex, built to age.
What’s Next: A Vinty Exclusive Coming Soon
Speaking of playing in the big leagues, we’ve been working on something special.
The West Coast is one of South Africa’s last wild wine frontiers. Atlantic winds, ancient soils, vines that struggle and dig deep to survive. That’s where character comes from. We’ve partnered with a producer out there and secured the entire 2025 harvest of a single Chenin Blanc vineyard that overlooks the ocean.
The West Coast Chenin 2025 is coming to XCellar as a Limited Edition. Think bright citrus, saline minerality, that unmistakable coastal influence. It’s going to be properly lekker, and you won’t find it anywhere else. Watch this space.
The Comeback Story We All Needed
From bulk wine and brandy base to global superstar—Chenin’s journey mirrors our own story as a country in a lot of ways. It’s about resilience, about recognising what’s valuable even when it’s been overlooked, about transformation without losing your roots.
When international critics finally start paying attention and calling South African Chenin Blanc world-class, it’s great. But honestly? We’ve known it all along.
So next time you’re at a restaurant or a bottle store and you see Chenin Blanc on the list, don’t scroll past it looking for something more “exotic.” Pour yourself a glass. You’re not just drinking wine—you’re drinking our story. You’re drinking centuries of history, a winemaking revolution, and proof that sometimes the best things are the ones that were right in front of you the whole time.
Steen to queen, indeed. And she’s only just getting started.
