Miles Mossop Wines: A Personal Vision

In 2004, while still at Tokara, Mossop and his wife Samantha founded Miles Mossop Wines, a boutique family business aimed at creating handcrafted wines that reflect South Africa’s diverse terroirs. By 2018, Mossop left Tokara to focus entirely on his brand.

The philosophy behind Miles Mossop Wines is rooted in showcasing the unique character of the Western Cape’s vineyards. Grapes are sourced from sites with exceptional potential, focusing on maritime-influenced locations. Production is intentionally small, capped at 80 tons annually, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.

Mastering Sauvignon Blanc

Mossop’s expertise in Sauvignon Blanc production is a hallmark of his winemaking approach. His process emphasizes purity, balance, and the expression of terroir.

• Site Selection: Grapes are sourced from vineyards with cool, maritime climates and soils rich in granite and shale. These conditions enhance freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity.
• Harvesting: Grapes are picked at optimal ripeness to preserve acidity while achieving fruit intensity.
• Vinification: Whole-bunch pressing is employed to minimize oxidation and extract delicate flavors. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts in a combination of stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels. This blend of vessels allows for a balance between varietal freshness and textural depth.
• Aging: The wine is aged on fine lees for several months, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to enhance mouthfeel and add complexity.

The resulting Sauvignon Blanc wines are vibrant and layered, showcasing tropical fruit, citrus, and subtle herbal undertones, all framed by a signature mineral core.

Achievements and Legacy

Miles Mossop’s wines have garnered numerous awards and high ratings, cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers. His ability to create wines that marry finesse with power has made his brand a benchmark in the industry.

Mossop’s contributions extend beyond his own label. His leadership within the Cape Winemakers Guild and his role in mentoring young winemakers have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s wine industry.

A Lifelong Passion

Beyond the cellar, Mossop’s life is enriched by his love for surfing, fishing, and family. This connection to nature and balance is reflected in his wines, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Miles Mossop’s journey is a testament to dedication, vision, and the pursuit of excellence—a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the future of South African wine.

While working at Cape Point, Duncan Savage started a side project in 2011 that would eventually become his life’s work. By 2016, the critical acclaim his wines garnered allowed him to dedicate himself fully to Savage Wines. Establishing an urban winery in Salt River, Cape Town, Savage brought an innovative approach to the region, sourcing grapes from diverse vineyards across the Western Cape.

Terroir-Driven Philosophy

Savage’s winemaking ethos revolves around minimal intervention and showcasing the purity of the vineyards. By leasing select vineyards, he works with sites that embody maritime influences and granitic soils—ideal for creating wines of precision and finesse. This focus on terroir is evident in all his wines, which reflect the unique climatic and geological nuances of their origin.

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon: A Signature Blend

One of Savage’s standout achievements lies in his mastery of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends. These wines epitomize his philosophy of crafting complex yet balanced wines.

The production process begins with early picking to preserve freshness and acidity. Whole-bunch pressing and oxidative handling of the must lay the foundation for complexity. Fermentation is carried out using native yeasts, reflecting the vineyard’s character. Semillon often undergoes malolactic fermentation, adding richness and a creamy texture. The wines are aged in French oak barrels—typically 20% new—for approximately 10 months, lending subtle notes of spice without overpowering the vibrant fruit profile.

The result is a harmonious blend showcasing citrus zest, tropical nuances, and a mineral core, with remarkable aging potential that evolves beautifully over time.

Achievements and Legacy

Duncan Savage has earned accolades both locally and internationally, positioning Savage Wines among South Africa’s most revered labels. With a current portfolio of eight wines, each bottle speaks to his dedication to quality and his innovative spirit. His ability to bring together the rugged beauty of the Western Cape with a modern winemaking ethos has not only elevated his brand but also contributed significantly to South Africa’s global wine reputation.

Duncan Savage remains a trailblazer, constantly pushing boundaries while staying true to his roots. His journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Duncan Savage is a celebrated winemaker whose journey has redefined the landscape of South African wine. With an uncompromising focus on expressing terroir, a flair for innovation, and a knack for crafting wines of elegance and precision, Savage has firmly established himself as a pioneer of contemporary winemaking.

A Passion Ignited

Born in Cape Town, Duncan matriculated from Rondebosch Boys’ High in 1995. His early years were spent surfing and exploring, but his life took a transformative turn when he discovered a passion for winemaking. This newfound calling led him to Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch, where he honed his skills and developed an understanding of viticulture and oenology.

The Cape Point Chapter

In 2002, Duncan began a 14-year tenure at Cape Point Vineyards, a boutique estate renowned for its coastal influence. During his time there, he gained recognition for crafting saline-driven white wines characterized by intense minerality and exceptional aging potential. His work helped position Cape Point Vineyards as a leader in South African premium wine production.