Darling Cellars, founded in 1997 as a privately owned winery is situated on the West Coast of South Africa. The climate, renowned for its cool and temperate conditions, provides an exceptional environment for vineyard cultivation. Characterized by mild temperatures, ample fog, and a long growing season, allows for grapes to mature slowly and evenly. Darling Cellars has consistently upheld a philosophy focused on genuineness and quality. The core mission underscores a profound reverence for the land and its produce: to create wines that
not only capture the distinctive terroir of the Darling region but also showcase the grape varietals flourishing in its environment. This steadfast commitment to authenticity ensures that every bottle of Darling Cellars wine mirrors the natural splendour and agricultural excellence of the region. Emphasizing sustainability and a return to traditional methods, approximately 90% of the total of 900ha of vineyards are farmed without irrigation, relying on natural rainfall in a practice known as dry farming. This method encourages deeper root growth, resulting in more robust and drought- resistant vines. Additionally, many vineyards opt for growing bush vines, which are not trellised. This method allows the vines to grow in a more natural state, potentially reducing the need for chemical inputs, promoting the health of the vineyard ecosystem and further more producing grapes which are naturally balanced with no dilution of concentration, just like nature intended.
Wine Ranges
Hannuwa Amphora Range
The San people were the indigenous tribe that first walked the hills of Darling. Hannuwa is the San (Bushman) word suggesting the gathering of good fortune through living in sustainable harmony with nature. This wine is made in an Amphora clay pot taking winemaking back to its roots. Unfiltered and unrefined, this is as true to nature as can be.
Old Bush Vines Range
Part of the Old Vine project, the grapes for these wines come from specific old bush vines which are selected for their uniqueness in prominent terroir flavours. These vineyards are planted in the best terroir for the specific varietal. Vineyards are carefully monitored by the winemaker who ultimately decides when the grapes will be harvested. These grapes are handled separately in the cellar to preserve their natural quality and uniqueness.
The Heritage Collection
Our grapes grow on dry-land and deep-rooted bush vines. The wines reflect the ancient soils and coastal proximity for which the Darling region is so well known. In this individually
crafted range, every wine tells its story Bordeaux Blend: Borrowing its name from the Governor of the Cape Colony who also lent his name to the town of Darling, this Bordeaux blend pays homage to a great proponent of human rights. The maiden vintage was a blend of 4 of the traditional red Bordeaux varietals.
- Sir Charles Darling, a Bordeaux blend. Borrowing its name from the Governor of the Cape Colony who also lent his name to the town of Darling, this Bordeaux blend pays homage to
a great proponent of human rights. The maiden vintage was a blend of 4 of the traditional red Bordeaux varietals.
- Lady Ann Darling, a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend. Named after the wife of Sir Charles Henry Darling, governor of the Cape Colony in 1851 after which the picturesque town of
Darling was named. We pay tribute to the ‘often forgotten woman-behind-the-man’.
- The Old Grain Silo, a Shiraz and Pinotage blend. The region of Darling has been synonymous with the production of grain since the earliest settlers some 300 years ago. Nowadays vineyards are planted alongside golden wheat fields and whilst the grapes from these vineyards are bringing in the accolades, the old silos which still dot the landscape
remind us of our farming heritage. This wine distinctly reflects Darling’s diversity and pays tribute to that heritage.
- Lime Kilns Darling, a stunning blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay. Barrel fermented and matured to add complexity and structure and a whole mouth full of wine.
Lime Kilns were built in years gone by to burn sea shells to form lime which the farmers used on their lands.
Cap Classique range
Made in the traditional way by fermenting the wine in the bottle, Darling Cellars produces a Blanc de Blanc, Brut Rosé and Demi Sec and an Old Bush Vines Brut.
Black Granite Vintage Reserve
With its full-bodied character, smooth texture and luxurious taste. This is the epitome of refined
indulgence
Darling Cellars Reserve range
The core of what Darling Cellars is about. Varietal wines which are fruity, accessible and an excellent value offering that can’t be beaten. These are wines to be enjoyed at a social occasion with friends, while at the same time having enough complexity to suit any dinner table or fine dining event. The grapes for this range come from vineyards in the Darling Hills and surrounding foothills. The individual wines comprising the Darling Cellars Reserve range are produced from a selection of grapes which display bouquets of some key characteristics of the unique terroir, are varietal true, fruit driven and over deliver on quality with every sip. Wood ageing is judiciously used on the red wines in the range, giving subtle complexity to support the soft tannins and rich fruit prevalent in the wines.
Darling Cellars 2L Bag in Box
Four different award-winning wines in a new format: A slimline 2L BiB (Bag in Box)! These attractive looking slimline boxes fit easily into the fridge door, keep the wine fresher for longer and can go where glass can’t! The air-tight seal between the tap and bag means that wine in a box can be stored for weeks once opened without the taste being affected whereas wine from a bottle should ideally be consumed within a matter of hours or days.
DC De-Alcoholised range
This is a range of low-calory and vegan-friendly, de-alcoholised wines that is different from other ‘wine alternatives’, such as alcohol-free wine or light wine in that it starts out as wine produced as any other ‘normal’ wine, and then the alcohol is extracted by using clever cone technology that preserves the wine-origins best. Low alcohol wine should still reflect the grape, the vineyard and the terroir.
DC Classic & DC Sweet range
A fun and easy drinking, quaffing wine range for all those occasions where you want to entertain and have a brilliant time. Light a fire, invite a few friends, open a couple of bottles of wine and you’re set to have a wonderful evening. Grapes selected for their fruit and ripeness make this a range which fulfils the need for an uncomplicated, easily accessible wine fit for a student and professor alike. Fresh, vibrant, clean and fruity!
Wildflower range
The little town of Darling is the entrance to the flower portal of the West Coast.We decided to create a special Wildflower label for drinks that do not have a spot in our core wine ranges. A Muscadel, Cape Ruby, Jeripigo and Sparkling Grape Juice found their spot in this range.
Values, Ideas and Look & Feel
Creating an identity stretches further than just a brand and logo. It encompasses a certain look and feel about the cellar, the wine, label and bottle, the attitude of the people and the presentation of all these factors. An integrated strategy is thus followed from grapes to wine.
Passion is essential for this whole concept to work and is a trait to be found in all involved at Darling Cellars. The idea behind the wines is to offer a quality-price ratio that is unequalled in the South African trade, an offering which speaks of class and complexity and one of sincere enjoyment. This all is sought, while staying true to the unique terroir of the West Coast, Darling district and varietal characteristics.
Our Cellar Master summarises it well with: “What nature gives us each year; we try and get into the bottle with passion and honour…”