If you thought that the town of Darling in the West Coast region of South Africa derived its name from a term of endearment you could be forgiven. The region may be rather dry and the town a little quaint but the wine farms add character and the springtime flowers are beautiful.
In fact Darling is named for Sir Charles Henry Darling who came in 1851 to the Cape as Lieutenant Governor. Today the Darling Wine of Origin region has gained recognition for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.
The region’s proximity to the cold Atlantic Ocean and the diverse soils, which contribute to its distinct wine profile. The cooling maritime influence helps moderate temperatures, allowing for a longer growing season and contributing to the development of complex flavours in the grapes. This result is wines with crisp acidity, vibrant fruit notes and a notable sense of place.
Darling Cellars are one of the most important wine producers in the area and apart from their location have a number of other unique characteristics.
Most of their vineyards are unirrigated and are untrellised bush vines. In short these vines are very natural. The winery also receives fruit from twenty different shareholders who produce grapes from a total 1300ha that are spread between the Darling Hills, 10km from the Atlantic Ocean, and flatter hinterland.
Darling Cellars has a modern bottling line, new presses and a 450- barrel maturation cellar. Their modern automated bottling line, screw cap and cork closure facilities allow the cellar to package wines to every market’s needs. including bag in the box packaging.
Fully inclusive bottling and labelling services are offered to customers who want to do their own labels.
Wines
Darling Cellars are particularly well known for their value for money quality wines.
The Reserve Range wines are fruity, accessible and excellent value, and include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Two of my favourite wines and probably the wines I buy most often are found in this range – the Chocoholic Pinotage and the Pyjama Bush Rose. See more below.
If you’re looking for inexpensive, fruity and easy drinking wines then the Classic Range of white, rose and red blends are perfect.
Old Bush Vine Range is for those that enjoy exploring a wine’s character as dictated by its terroir. As the name suggests these wines are created from specific old bush vines and include Cinsault, Chenin Blanc and Rose.
The Heritage Collection wines are stand-alone wines and showcase the diversity of the Darling Cellars and the Darling region.
Wine Tasting at Darling Cellars
Darling Cellars’ multi award winning wines are available for tasting in their tasting room where light lunches and platters are served as well as a selection of soft drinks and craft beers. Specials such as curries and hearty stews are served on Wednesdays, and booking is recommended.
Cellar tours are available and are by appointment only.
Darling Cellars strive to handle the grapes and wines as naturally and purely as possible. Good grapes, good equipment, educated people that make wine with a passion, are the key elements to producing good wine.
Chocoholic Pinotage
This is one of the most drinkable and best value-for-money wines available in South Africa and it is certainly my favourite Pinotage for easy drinking and as an accompaniment to a good home cooked meal or braai.
It was the name that first caught my attention as I have a penchant for anything chocolaty.
On the nose there are fruity plums and berries and of course chocolate and on the palate it is smooth and well balanced which makes it easy to pair with most meaty dishes. If you take time to savour a mouth full you will be rewarded with dark chocolate, black berries and a hint of butterscotch. Simply delicious!
I have noticed that I am not the only fan of Chocoholic Pinotage. As this is my go to red for a raucous dinner party with friends, my bottles are placed on the table alongside a host of other wines from just about every region in the country but almost always it is the Chocoholic Pinotage that is opened first!
Pyjama Bush Rosé
For many years I went off Rosé because of the my experiences working as a waiter in a franchised steak restaurant where the worst type of client would order Rose and think that they were rather posh for doing so.
The fact that there were some pretty ghastly Rosé circulating at that time didn’t help either.
Thankfully wines such as Pyjama Bush Rosé have restored my faith in this delightfully pink blushed wine.
The Pyjama Bush Rosé is 96% Sauvignon Blanc and the small remainder is Grenache which gives it baby pink hue.
Garden Parties in the holidays and long weekends are always great fun. Everybody is relaxed, swimming pools are inviting and guests are attractively dressed in linen outfits and shady hats.
It is just for this type of event that the Pyjama Bush Rosé is best suited and will always find a place in my cooler.
Ripe strawberries, sweet cherry and raspberries on the nose with a lingering fruity aftertaste that is as light and airy as the sunny outdoors and a great accompaniment to canapés make Pyjama Bush Rosé and great party drink.
Contact Details
For more information or to make a booking call 022 492 2276 or email info@darlingcellars.co.za
Darling Cellars may be found at Mamre Weg Station, R315 Darling, Western Cape.
Facebook: @darlingcellars
Instagram: @darlingcellars
