When I was approached to receive samples from Indaba Wines, I quickly agreed. Although I hadn’t tasted the wines, I was somewhat familiar with the brand. Located in the Western Cape of South Africa and established in 1996, Indaba Wines’ portfolio includes Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Mosaic, a red blend. I received as samples the Chenin Blanc 2017 and Mosaic 2017, both well-priced at $11.99 each. What I discovered is that Indaba not only offers consumers a consistently palate pleasing wine that’s easy on the budget, but is continuing to maintain a commitment to conservation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
The “i” logo is in part symbolic of Indaba’s Zulu translation, which is a “sharing of news and information. The “i” represents that information and the act of sharing it over a great glass of wine. Photo Credit: www.indabawines.com
Social Responsibility at Indaba Wines
With each case of Indaba wine, Cape Classics (importer of South African wines to the United States) donates a portion of the sale to the Indaba Education Fund (IEF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Previously known as the Indaba Scholarship, the fund has provided financial assistance for students to pursue wine industry related graduate and post-graduate studies since 1998. In fact, Mzokhona Mvemve, the first Indaba Scholar, is one of South Africa’s first certified black African winemakers upon graduation from Stellenbosch University in 2003.
Indaba, through IEF, is now focusing on early childhood education. As a former early childhood special education teacher, I am thrilled. IEF’s mission is “to provide teacher training, infrastructure, and learning materials, all based on a Montessori approach at schools established for wine farm workers’ children in the Cape Winelands”. Indaba Wines understands that children are most receptive to learning when they begin the process at a very young age. Helping to foster a bright and positive future for these children? Cheers to that!
Sales of Indaba wines also provide financial assistance to the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, a “12-month program that assists motivated but currently unemployed young adults of color by providing a combination of technical and personal life skills supported by practical placements on farms”.
More to love about Indaba? Their wines.
The Wines of Indaba
Bruwer Raats, full-time winemaker at Indaba since 2010 and proprietor of Raats Family Wines, is responsible for not only crafting the wines but for working with the many family grape-growers, most of them under long-term contract with the company. Sourced from the regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Durbanville, and Robertson, Indaba wines have received international accolades, high ratings, and awards. The wines themselves are crafted in the small, yet diverse, Cape Floral Kingdom where conservation and sustainability are high priorities.
Impressive, right?! So, what wines did I taste?
Indaba Chenin Blanc 2017 ($11.99) – Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most widely planted grape and this example is a delicious, fresh example. Grapes were cultivated on soils of sandstone, decomposed Dolomite granite, shale and red Karoo clay; the vines range from 5-35 years of age. On the nose, I discovered aromas of stone fruit, peaches, ripe pineapple, golden citrus, and a hint of petrol. Flavors of ripe citrus, more stone fruit, and juicy pears were surrounded with mouthwatering acidity and the persistent finish was a delight. Rich and textured, this Chenin Blanc is one that overdelivers. Enjoy sips with appetizers, garden salads, fresh fish, or your best friend.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
