2024 · Chocoholic Pinotage

Darling Cellars is based near Darling on South Africa’s cool West Coast, where it farms dry-land, deep-rooted bush vines on South-West-facing slopes influenced by Atlantic breezes and the Benguela Current. The producer’s wines reflect the district’s ancient soils, distinctive microclimate and varietal character, with particular attention to terroir-specific wines and old bush-vine sites. Its Old Bush Vines range is built around careful site selection and respect for vine age, while the Reserve Bush Vines wines focus on fruit-driven, varietally true styles. Darling Cellars also embraces innovative techniques, including “pinching” grape stalks to encourage raisining for its Chocoholic Pinotage. The estate’s approach centres on natural terroir, dry-land farming and sustainable harmony with nature.