Discover South Africa’s Maverick Winemakers with Humble Grape
This April, we’re diving headfirst into the wild terroirs of the Western Cape, where independent winemakers are rewriting the rulebook and producing wines that punch well above their weight.
When you think of South Africa, you might picture safaris, sunsets, and Table Mountain—but did you know it's also one of the top 10 wine-producing countries in the world? The country’s dramatic landscapes, from the sun-drenched slopes of Stellenbosch to the rugged, untamed vineyards of Swartland, create wines that are unapologetically bold, bursting with flavour, and full of character.
And this month, we’re bringing them straight to your glass.
Meet the Winemaker: Francois Haasbroek
To do South African wine justice, we’ve enlisted the help of Francois Haasbroek of Blackwater Wines—a visionary winemaker who made Waterford Estate famous before setting out to build his own wine empire. Francois is all about low-intervention, high-character wines, and he’s coming to Humble Grape to share them with you.
For one week only, you get to drink with the man himself.
Two Events. Two Unforgettable Evenings.
South African Wine Tasting – 22nd April at 6:30pm (£60pp)
A laid-back, high-flavour guided tasting at Humble Grape Islington, where Francois will walk you through six of his finest bottles.
Welcome drink on arrival
Tasting of six Blackwater wines
Two-hour evening with the winemaker himself
Olives, almonds, and fresh bread to snack on
South African Winemaker Dinner – 23rd April at 6:30pm (£120pp)
If you’re ready to take it up a notch, our winemaker dinner is a 3.5-hour deep dive into South African flavours. A full-blown, five-course pairing menu crafted by our Executive Chef, each dish perfectly matched with Blackwater’s best wines.
Welcome drink on arrival
Five Blackwater wines expertly paired with five courses
A 3.5-hour evening hosted by Francois Haasbroek himself
What’s in Your Glass?
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the incredible wines we’ll be pouring:
Genevieve MCC 2018 (Blanc de Blancs, Bot River) – Crisp orchard fruits meet toasty brioche. Like a perfectly timed mic drop in a flute.
Blackwater Pleasure Garden Palomino 2020 (Robertson) – Francois stumbled upon a forgotten 90-year-old Palomino vineyard and turned it into magic. A rare South African find.
Blackwater The Underdog Chenin Blanc 2023 (Stellenbosch) – Pure, clean, and utterly refreshing. With no residual sugar and minimal intervention, this wine squeaks with freshness.
Blackwater Cuvée Terra Lux Pinot Noir 2019 (Elgin) – A rockstar of a wine. Limited to just 2,000 bottles, this Pinot Noir is pure, wild, and full of personality.
Blackwater Omerta Carignan 2019 (Swartland) – Dark, spicy, and begging to be chilled and paired with a cheese platter.
Take the Taste of South Africa Home
Can’t make the events? No worries. Stock up your wine fridge with these incredible bottles, available now on our online shop.
This is more than just wine—it’s a celebration of South Africa’s maverick winemakers, bold flavours, and rich heritage. Whether you’re joining us for a tasting, a dinner, or filling up your cellar, get ready for an unforgettable wine journey.
