Craig Hawkins’ Testalonga: Redefining Natural Wine in South Africa

Breaking rules in South African Winemaking

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Craig Hawkins' Testalonga was an outlaw in the local wine scene. Despite South Africa's long-established winemaking history, the country remains quite conservative when it comes to innovation and progressive styles characteristic of the New World.

South Africa's rejection on Orange Wine

When Craig first encountered a skin-macerated Vermentino made by Antonio Perrino, he was intrigued by the concept of orange wine and got curious about how such wines might taste if produced in his homeland. He began crafting his own wines using unconventional practices and techniques but the early vintages faced challenges in gaining acceptance back home. The South African wine and spirit board rejected them during blind tastings, claiming the wines were oxidized—a claim Craig later disproved scientifically.

Sticking Through It With A New Movement

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Craig and Testalonga didn’t back down. Reflecting on his early efforts, he stated, "In the first four or five years of making orange wines, I just said to myself—I have no clue what I am doing, so I need to try everything." Today, Testalonga, based in the Swartland wine region, is a leader in organic winemaking and minimal-intervention wines, earning international acclaim for its bold and experimental approach.

Labels With A Story To Fall In Love With

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Craig’s two main wine series are as engaging as they are innovative. The "El Bandito" series takes inspiration from an Italian winemaker who defied conventions by vinifying reds like whites. Craig adopted the rebellious spirit and the name for his labels. The "Baby Bandito" series, on the other hand, reflects the importance of positivity, featuring names inspired by affirmations meant to encourage a child. These playful names resonate with wine lovers looking for something unique and meaningful.

The Natural Wine King of South Africa

Now celebrated as the "Natural Wine King of South Africa," Craig Hawkins remains committed to crafting minimal-intervention wines. His wines are free from additives, fining, or cellar corrections and are made exclusively from grapes grown in organic vineyards in Swartland. Testalonga’s pioneering efforts continue to inspire a new generation of winemakers and enthusiasts of natural and organic wines globally. Shop one of Vyne crowd's favourite, the full Testalonga collection here: https://www.vyne.my/collections/testalonga

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