The Observer

Tim Atkin MW touches on the subject of black-owned vineyards in South Africa, or lack thereof. "Many of the black workers who toil in the vineyards and wineries of the largely white-owned, white run wine industry come from [South Africa's] townships." But thanks to the ANC's policy of land reform and black economic empowerment (BEE) things are changing, Atkin adds. Labels to look out for include Thandi, M'Hudi, Seven Sisters, Lindiwe and Bouwland among others. The 2007 Cabernet/Shiraz Fairhills (5.19, Tesco) is mentioned for its smooth, spicy, sweetly oaked" notes and the 2006 Cinsault/Merlot Origin (6.99, Threshers) also gets a mention. Atkin admits "buying one of these wines won't change the South African wine industry overnight, but it's a start."