Fairview is a South African estate that has driven a quality revolution in Cape winemaking under Charles Back's leadership since 1978. What sets Fairview apart is its pioneering commitment to Mediterranean varieties suited to the Cape's warm climate, combined with rigorous vineyard work—soil assessment, earlier picking dates, and old-vine restoration—that consistently delivers fresh, precise wines. Charles was awarded the International Wine Challenge's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, recognising his impact on the industry at just 58 years old. The estate's entire production is certified Fairtrade, though Charles prefers wines to sell on quality alone, backed by genuine commitment to worker welfare and sustainability.

About Fairview Wines

Fairview is one of South Africa's oldest properties, with vines first planted in 1699. Charles Back's grandfather purchased the estate in 1937, and Charles joined in 1978 to transform it into a forward-thinking operation. The main estate sits in Paarl, 50 kilometres from Cape Town, positioned on the southern slopes of Paarl Mountain where cool sea breezes and elevation provide ideal growing conditions despite the region's warm climate. Diverse soils across the vineyard sites contribute to the freshness and precision Fairview is known for.

Responding to global warming, Charles has expanded into Darling, a cool coastal area just eight kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. Darling's decomposed granite soils offer exceptional water retention, creating what Charles describes as a "very special area". This terroir has proven ideal for Sauvignon Blanc, delivering a crisp and fresh style featuring tropical aromatics alongside significant depth and complexity. The estate's Chenin Blanc draws fruit from old bush vines planted in Darling alongside parcels on Paarl Mountain's south-facing slopes, displaying vibrant, refreshing character with a creamy texture from barrel fermentation. The Lanner Hill Syrah represents the estate's latest innovation, extending the range of Mediterranean-influenced varieties that define the Fairview approach.

Fairview's philosophy is grounded in social commitment, sustainability, and conservation. A committee of elected farm workers ensures equal opportunities through investment in education and training. The winemaking approach reflects the belief that quality is determined in the vineyard as much as the cellar—careful viticulture decisions about canopy management, yield, and harvest timing directly shape the wines' character. This focus on vineyard excellence, combined with sustainable practices and fair employment, underpins every bottle.

Fairview Wines in Our Collection

Fairview's core range reflects Charles Back's vision of Mediterranean varieties thriving in the Cape. The Sauvignon Blanc from Darling offers a fresh entry point to the estate—crisp, aromatic, and food-friendly for everyday drinking. The Chenin Blanc, blending fruit from Darling bush vines and Paarl Mountain south-facing slopes, is richer and more textured, with barrel fermentation adding complexity and creaminess. This wine suits more ambitious pairings and deserves cellaring. The Lanner Hill Syrah extends the range into darker, more structured territory, showcasing how Fairview's vineyard work produces precise, age-worthy expressions of Mediterranean varieties in a Cape context. Together, these wines demonstrate why the estate has become a benchmark for quality-driven innovation in South African viticulture.

Food Pairing

Fairview's Sauvignon Blanc pairs naturally with seafood, goat cheese, and spring vegetables. The Chenin Blanc works with richer fish dishes, chicken with creamy sauces, and mild curries. The Lanner Hill Syrah matches grilled lamb, duck, and beef with herb-forward or peppery preparations. Fairview's fresh, precise style cuts through rich foods without overwhelming delicate flavours, making these wines versatile across a range of cuisines and occasions.

What makes Fairview wines different from other South African producers?

Charles Back pioneered Mediterranean varieties in the Cape and championed lesser-known regions like Darling. The estate combines meticulous vineyard work—soil assessment, earlier picking, old-vine restoration—with sustainable practices and Fairtrade certification, all focused on wine quality.

Why does Fairview source grapes from Darling as well as Paarl?

Darling, eight kilometres from the Atlantic, is a cool coastal region with decomposed granite soils offering exceptional water retention. Charles developed these sites in response to global warming, where Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc thrive with fresh, precise character.

Is Fairview committed to sustainability?

Yes. Fairview's entire production is certified Fairtrade. The estate operates a worker committee ensuring equal opportunities, invests in education and training, and practices rigorous sustainability and conservation. Charles prioritises selling wines on quality rather than advertising these credentials.

Who makes Fairview wines?

Charles Back has led Fairview since 1978, transforming his family's South African estate into a forward-thinking operation. The main vineyard sits in Paarl, near Cape Town, with additional vineyards in Darling's cool coastal area.

What style of wine does Fairview make?

Fairview specialises in Mediterranean varieties suited to the Cape's warm climate—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Shiraz, and Pinotage. Wines are fresh and precise, with scores of 86 across the range.