In a world where wine is often about prestige and postcode, one small brand from Robertson is reminding us what it’s really about — adventure, flavour, and living life in full colour.
Steel Wines is not your typical wine story. It’s not built on heritage estates or century-old barrels. It’s built on curiosity, passion, and the belief that wine should be enjoyed, not overthought.
The brand is the creation of Jason Steel — a Cape Town-born winemaker, food lover, traveller, and all-round creative soul. His wines are as down-to-earth as he is: honest, expressive, and full of energy. And now, for the first time, Steel Wines is available exclusively online through Vinty.co.za.
Meet the Maker: Jason Steel
Jason’s journey into wine wasn’t one of inheritance — it was one of intention. After years in fine dining, working alongside sommeliers and pouring some of the world’s most exciting bottles, he realised that great wine doesn’t need to be complicated or pretentious. It just needs to taste real.
“I wanted to make wines that reflect who I am,” Jason says. “A bit of travel, a lot of food, and plenty of fun.”
Working with grapes from the Robertson, Bonnievale, and Ashton valleys — regions he calls “historically uncool, but full of hidden gems” — Jason handcrafts wines that feel effortless yet detailed. From a bright, mouth-watering Colombard to silky, fruit-forward reds, each wine is a snapshot of his world: laid-back, thoughtful, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Half Wild, Half Wise — The Steel Wines Philosophy
Jason describes his wines as “half wild, half wise” — a perfect reflection of how he blends technical precision with creative instinct. It’s the meeting point between art and science, between structure and spontaneity.
In the cellar, things are kept clean and intentionally “safe”. No shortcuts, no faults, no experiments that compromise quality. But within that framework, there’s space for personality: wines that are fun, a little quirky, and full of life.
For Jason, wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s about what happens around it — the road trips, the seaside braais, the shared plates and long conversations. Steel Wines is made for those moments.
The Q&A: Getting to Know Jason
We had a lot of fun chatting to Jason about wine, travel, and the little quirks that make him tick. Here’s a glimpse into the mind behind the label:
- If your latest bottle had a personality, how would you describe its quirks?
Fun, quirky, technically precise — science meets art. - What song would you slap on repeat while you’re in the cellar?
Something by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Maybe “Encore” or “Snow”. - Which animal captures the spirit of your wine’s character?
A chameleon — it adapts, blends in, and surprises you when it moves. - What’s your ultimate comfort combo when you’re off the clock?
A glass of Colombard with some banging fresh ceviche or seared yellowtail — freshly caught not far from home. - What’s your “dream wine” you haven’t made yet?
Something Portuguese — Albariño or maybe a Touriga Nacional. I love how those wines carry both freshness and depth. - Stranded with only one grape variety — what’s your desert-island pour?
A banging Chenin Blanc. Not too wooded, but full of life and acidity. - If your wine were a mythical beast?
A centaur — half wild, half wise. It sums up my approach perfectly. - Ever been blindsided at a tasting?
Once. I poured a current vintage of Chateau Libertas at a fancy blind tasting, and it beat a lineup of R400 bottles. Price doesn’t equal quality!
The Steel Wines Introduction Case — Exclusively on Vinty
For those ready to explore, Vinty brings you the
Steel Wines Introduction Case
— a curated six-bottle collection showcasing the full spectrum of Jason’s creativity.
From crisp whites to expressive reds, each wine tells a story of craftsmanship and curiosity. And because every great adventure deserves a reward, you’ll receive an exclusive R200 voucher for your next Steel Wines purchase.
It’s the perfect way to taste the journey — and join the adventure.
