to honour Fairview’s deep-rooted passion for this popular and versatile full-bodied red wine, with luscious layers of black and red fruit and savoury spice. This annual National Shiraz Day marks the beginning of Shiraz SA’s Seven Days of Shiraz celebration, which very often extends until the end of August.
Shiraz has always been a flagship variety for Fairview, carrying with it a special heritage and significance. Fairview’s long history with Shiraz dates back over 50 years to 1974, when the first Shiraz was bottled under the Fairview label, marking the beginning of the estate’s independent wine production. Since that time, Fairview has undergone extraordinary development, transforming from a family farm into an internationally recognised brand renowned for its wine, cheese, and tourism. Throughout all the exciting changes at Fairview, one unwavering constant has been Fairview’s commitment to and passion for Shiraz, the flagship and cornerstone of Fairview’s wine ranges. Fairview’s Shiraz wines, including three single vineyard expressions and Shiraz-led red blends, featuring in almost all of their ranges, have led the way in racking up numerous prestigious wine awards, confirming Fairview’s position as a Shiraz-producing jewel in the Cape Winelands.
Fairview’s love affair with Shiraz began with Cyril Back, second-generation owner of the family farm. A staunch Shiraz lover and pioneer, whose enthusiasm was infectious, he introduced Shiraz to Fairview in the 1950s and recognised the variety as a flagship grape for the Paarl region. He bottled Fairview’s first Shiraz, which was sold at the Cape’s first public wine auction, initiated by Cyril, and hosted at Fairview.
In 1978, Charles Back joined his father Cyril on the farm after completing his oenological studies and took over full responsibility for Fairview upon his father’s passing in 1995. One of the great entrepreneurs and innovators of the wine world, Charles significantly elevated and enhanced the winery’s focus on Shiraz. ”Sometimes I think Shiraz flows through my veins”, says Charles with a smile. He is well-known for his passion for Rhône and other Mediterranean varieties, championing varieties better suited to the Cape’s warm and dry climate. This commitment has earned Fairview a reputation as a pioneering force for Rhône varieties in South Africa.
L to R: Fairview 1974 Shiraz, the first Shiraz bottled under the Fairview label and sold at the Cape’s first public auction hosted at Fairview in 1974;
Cyril Back watching the auction proceedings; A young Charles Back learning the skills from his father Cyril.
Shiraz also happens to be cellarmaster Anthony De Jager’s favourite grape. Anthony, who has been at Fairview since 1996, states, “It is the diversity and versatility of Shiraz that excites me the most. Shiraz resonates a sense of place few varieties can match.”
Fairview’s commitment to Shiraz is demonstrated by the prominent vineyard hectarage dedicated to this grape variety and Fairview’s significant investment in vineyards across various regions, including Paarl, Darling, and Swartland, which enables the production of diverse Shiraz styles. Fairview’s exploration of the potential and versatility of Shiraz has given rise to a prized single vineyard range of three award-winning wines dedicated to Shiraz, each from a distinct Western Cape origin, each offering unique expressions of the variety, namely The Beacon Shiraz WO Swartland, Eenzaamheid Shiraz WO Paarl, and Lanner Hill Syrah WO Darling Hills.
A very popular showcase of Fairview’s love for Shiraz is the annual Fairview Shiraz and Shanks Dinner, a winter tradition, which has become a highly anticipated culinary experience. This event on 15 August, which forms part of Shiraz SA’s Seven Days of Shiraz Celebration, is unfortunately sold out, but Fairview’s other celebratory offerings include:
- A Tasting of a Special Selection of Shiraz Wines at the Fairview Tasting Room throughout August. No additional fees apply, as it falls within Fairview’s daily Master and Standard tasting options.
- Fairview’s Goatshed Restaurant will be serving a Two-Course Lunch Menu with a Glass of Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2021 @ R295pp, starting on 15 August.
Bookings essential: goatshed@fairview.co.za / 021 863 3609.
FAIRVIEW’S MOST RECENT AWARDS FOR SHIRAZ AND SHIRAZ BLENDS
The consistent recognition of Fairview’s Shiraz wines across different price points and styles underscores Fairview’s dedication to producing high-quality Shiraz.
Fairview Shiraz
- Fairview Shiraz 2021 (current vintage): 2024 National Wine Challenge – Awarded Double Platinum and named a Top 100 SA Wine
Fairview Cyril Back Shiraz
- Fairview Cyril Back 2020: Platter’s 2024 SA Wine Guide – Awarded Five Stars and Wine of the Year award (in the Red Blends Shiraz/Syrah-based category)
- Fairview Cyril Back 2022 (current vintage): 2025 National Wine Challenge – Awarded Double Platinum and ranked among South Africa’s Top 100 Wines
Fairview Single Vineyard The Beacon Shiraz
- Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2021 (current vintage): Platter’s 2025 SA Wine Guide – Awarded Five Stars
Fairview Single Vineyard Eenzaamheid Shiraz
- Fairview Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2021: Tim Atkin 2024 SA Report – Awarded 94 points
- Fairview Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2022 (current vintage): 2025 National Wine Challenge – Awarded Double Platinum and ranked among South Africa’s Top 100 Wines
Fairview Single Vineyard Lanner Hill Syrah
- Fairview Lanner Hill 2021 (maiden vintage): Christian Eedes of Winemag.co.za – Awarded 95 points, and Tim Atkin’s 2024 Report – Awarded an outstanding 96 points and the coveted title of Red Wine Discovery of the Year
- Fairview Lanner Hill Syrah 2022 (current vintage): 2025 National Wine Challenge – Awarded Double Platinum and ranked among South Africa’s Top 100 Wines
Fairview Caldera
A classic Southern Rhône-style blend
- Fairview Caldera 2021: Platter’s 2024 SA Wine Guide – Awarded Five stars
- Fairview Caldera 2022 (current vintage): Platter’s 2025 SA Wine Guide – Awarded Five Stars
Fairview Goats Do Roam Red
- At the other end of the price scale, the Fairview team were delighted when their Goats Do Roam Red 2021 (a Shiraz-led Southern Rhône-style blend), retailing at only R73 at the time, received the joint highest score (94 points) in Winemag.co.za’s Prescient Signature Red Blends Report 2023.
MORE ABOUT FAIRVIEW’S AWARD-WINNING SHIRAZ WINES
Fairview Shiraz 2021
Sourced from a selection of Fairview’s best vineyards on Paarl Mountain as well as some parcels from the Swartland and cooler Atlantic vineyards in Darling, each region contributes to the complexity, balance, and structure of this wine. The nose invites with notes of black pepper, red berries, and plum, with a whiff of lavender. The palate has plummy red fruit with signature spice notes and an elegant finish. Drinking beautifully now, but will age well for 5 to 8 years, under good storage conditions.
Retail price: R125
Fairview Cyril Back Shiraz 2022
Cyril Back Shiraz, Fairview’s flagship wine, named after Charles Back’s beloved father, is an outstanding red wine that is crafted to age for decades. The standout 2022 vintage is made from a rigorous selection of Fairview’s best Shiraz with the addition of some Cabernet Sauvignon for increased freshness, structure and ageing potential. The sophisticated wine brims with dense black and blue berries, plums and warm oak spices. Rich, bold and concentrated yet elegant and accessible with purity of fruit and firm powdery tannins. Ageing potential of 8 to 10 years.
Retail price: R1250
Fairview Single Vineyard The Beacon Shiraz 2021 (WO Swartland)
Sourced from an elevated, northwest-facing shale outcrop planted to dryland bush vines. This is a bold, structured wine with dark plum, dried olive, charcuterie, and liquorice on the nose. The palate is deep and brooding with firm, powdery tannins. Built for ageing.
Retail price: R580
Fairview Single Vineyard Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2022 (WO Paarl)
Sourced from one of the oldest bush vine Shiraz vineyards in the region, grown on fertile shale soils. Expect notes of dense plum, red berries, wild fynbos, and clove spice, supported by a savoury finish and firm tannin grip. A serious, age-worthy wine with pedigree.
Retail price: R580
Fairview Single Vineyard Lanner Hill Syrah 2022 (WO Darling Hills)
Sourced from a cool-climate hillside vineyard near the Atlantic, rooted in oakleaf soils. Aromas of black cherry, red berries, violets, and cracked pepper rise from the glass. Partial whole-bunch fermentation brings texture and vibrancy to the wine. The finish is long, fresh, and refined.
Retail price: R580
Fairview Caldera 2022
This classic blend is one of the Cape’s first Rhône-inspired Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre (GSM) blends. It is part of Fairview’s Regional Revival Range and a Fairview winery staple. The wine is fruit-forward with notes of summer berries, fynbos and a hint of pepper. It is medium-bodied and fresh on the palate with flavours of red cherry and spices, fine tannins, and an indulgent, lengthy dry finish. Perfect for pairing with food!
Retail price: R190
Fairview Goats Do Roam Red 2023
This Rhône-style blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsaultshows typical aromas of fresh red berries and plums with a touch of pepper. It has a youthful, juicy palate with layers of generous berry fruit and spices balanced with integrated oak nuances. The palate is smooth, with fine tannins, and a long, fresh finish for easy drinking pleasure.
Retail price: R83
PURCHASE FAIRVIEW’S AWARD-WINNING SHIRAZ AND SHIRAZ BLENDS
- At the Fairview Cellar Door
- Online at https://fairviewmarketplace.co.za/
- Nationally at leading grocers, liquor retailers, and specialist wine merchants
A FITTING TRIBUTE TO HOW FAR FAIRVIEW HAS COME SINCE 1974
At a recent charity dinner and auction hosted at Fairview,Fairview Shiraz 1974 — the very first vintage bottled under the Fairview name — fetched a remarkable R10,000 a bottle. It originally sold for R3 at South Africa’s first public wine auction hosted by Fairview. Adjusted for inflation, that bottle would be worth R384 today. The event titled Fairview Gives Back raised a total of R320,000, with all proceeds donated to Ladles of Love and Drakenstein Palliative Hospice, two organisations doing vital, compassionate work in the community.
VISIT THE MUCH-LOVED FAIRVIEW ESTATE FOR A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE!
Situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, offering ever-growing visitor experiences and eponymous views, Fairview is one of the most popular destinations in the Cape Winelands. Housing a collection of micro-businesses creating artisanal and sustainable produce, the focus is on fine wine, artisanal cheese, baked goods, homemade preserves, and plant-based products. Here you can enjoy specially curated wine and cheese tastings, pop into the prized Deli and fill your shopping basket with gourmet groceries, have lunch at the Goatshed where fresh and homegrown is always better, and, of course, add an extra dose of charm to your visit and swing by the Goat Tower to say hello to Fairview’s friendly mascots.
Hashtags: #FairviewWine #FairviewShiraz #SANationalShirazDay
FAIRVIEW WINE AND CHEESE
Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Suider-Paarl, 7646
Tel: 021 863 2450 · Email: info@fairview.co.za
https://facebook.com/FairviewWineandCheese
https://www.instagram.com/fairviewwineandcheese
Issued by Posy Hazel PR
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