Blank Bottle is a South African wine producer founded by Pieter Walser in 2000, known for its innovative concept of producing wines with blank labels to challenge preconceived notions and focus on the quality of the juice itself, rather than grape variety or regional origin.

Walser sources fruit from various vineyards across South Africa's winelands, crafting over 30 unique, story-driven cuvées each year that celebrate the differences and uniqueness of each wine.

The Wellington wine region, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a distinguished area known for producing wines of depth and character. Nestled at the foot of the Groenberg, the region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers tempered by cooling afternoon breezes and cold, wet winters that replenish the soils. These conditions allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness, contributing to balanced wines with concentrated flavours.

The soils of Wellington are largely decomposed granite, with patches of shale and sandstone, offering excellent drainage and encouraging deep root growth. This diversity supports a range of grape varieties, though the region has gained a strong reputation for robust reds. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Merlot thrive here, while Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay represent the leading white grapes.

Wellington wines are known for their intensity and structure. Red wines often display ripe black fruit, spice and earthy undertones, with firm but integrated tannins that lend themselves well to ageing. White wines, particularly Chenin Blanc, are fresh and vibrant, showing stone fruit, citrus and subtle mineral notes. With its unique terroir and focus on quality, Wellington has earned recognition as one of South Africa’s most promising wine-producing regions.

Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape variety originating in France’s Loire Valley, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Known for its high natural acidity and adaptability, Chenin Blanc thrives in a range of climates and soils, making it one of the most flexible white grapes in the world.

Viticulturally, Chenin Blanc is a vigorous and early-budding vine, which can make it susceptible to spring frosts. However, its thick skins and ability to retain acidity allow for a wide range of picking times, supporting various wine styles—from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, including sparkling wines.

While still prominent in France—especially in Vouvray, Anjou, and Saumur—Chenin Blanc has found remarkable success in South Africa, where it is the most widely planted grape. Called Steen, the South African examples range from fresh, citrus-driven styles to complex, oak-aged wines with notes of stone fruit, honey, and spice.

Chenin Blanc is also grown in the USA (notably California), Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, often used in blends or as a varietal wine.

Flavour profiles include green apple, pear, quince, honeysuckle, and melon in dry versions, while sweeter styles offer notes of apricot, honey, and ginger. Its natural acidity and age-worthiness make Chenin Blanc a favourite among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Viognier is a distinctive white grape variety known for its aromatic intensity and rich, full-bodied wines. Originally from the northern Rhône Valley in France, particularly the appellations of Condrieu and Château-Grillet, Viognier has gained international recognition for its unique floral and stone fruit character.

Viticulturally, Viognier can be challenging to grow. It’s prone to low yields, sensitive to mildew, and requires careful vineyard management to balance ripeness and retain acidity. It thrives in warm, sunny climates where it can fully develop its aromatics without becoming overly alcoholic or flabby.

Today, Viognier is planted in several key wine regions around the world, including the Languedoc in southern France, California’s Central Coast, Virginia and Washington State in the USA, South Australia, South Africa, and parts of Chile and Argentina. It’s often made as a varietal wine but is also blended—famously with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie to enhance aroma and texture.

Viognier typically produces lush, aromatic wines with low to moderate acidity and high alcohol. Common flavours include apricot, peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom, and sometimes exotic spices. Styles range from unoaked and fresh to rich, barrel-aged versions with creamy texture. Viognier is a compelling choice for lovers of expressive, aromatic whites.