Spice Route Wines was founded in 1998 by Charles Back, an early pioneer who transformed the Swartland region of South Africa. The key distinction here is ownership: Spice Route owns all 100 hectares of its vineyards across Malmesbury and Darling, giving the producer complete control over quality from vine to bottle. That control matters because it begins in the soil—Malmesbury shale and red clay subsoils produce fruit of genuine intensity, and these vines are never irrigated, even in desert-like conditions.

About Spice Route Wines

Charles Back's belief was simple: exceptional wine begins in the vines, not the winery. The team practises dry farming and low yields, techniques that concentrate flavour and structure. Bush-trained vines on Malmesbury shale define the estate's signature style—wines with depth and complexity that reflect their origin.

The flagship wine is 'Chakalaka', a six-variety Rhône-style blend inspired by the piquant South African condiment of the same name. It combines Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Tannat into a wine of great intensity with supple tannins. The single-variety range showcases the terroir equally well. The 'Swartland' Grenache (89 points) displays savoury, juicy character with tannins that feel smooth, whereas the 'Swartland' Mourvèdre (89 points) delivers darker flavours and greater density. The 'Tarragon' Old Vine Chenin Blanc, barrel-fermented from vines planted in 1978 and carrying 'Certified Heritage' status, offers superb complexity and remarkable value (89 points). The 2024 Swartland Pinotage (89 points) rounds out a range built on varietal authenticity rather than winemaking artifice.

Spice Route Wines in Our Collection

Our range captures the breadth of Spice Route's approach. Start with the 2023 Swartland Grenache or 2023 Swartland Mourvèdre (both 89 points, Vivino 4.0+) for pure, single-varietal expression of the region. If you want complexity in a glass, the 2023 Chakalaka (88 points, Vivino 4.1) delivers Rhône-style depth without pretension—six varieties layered into something greater than their parts. For white wine, the 2024 Tarragon Old Vine Chenin Blanc (89 points, Vivino 4.0) showcases barrel fermentation and heritage vineyard age with mineral grip and buttery texture. The 2024 Pinotage (89 points) offers a South African alternative for those seeking something beyond the Rhône-influenced reds. Every wine here reflects estate ownership and dry-farming discipline; you're not paying for marketing, but for control.

Food Pairing

The Grenache and Mourvèdre work brilliantly with grilled lamb, duck confit, or beef tagine. Chakalaka's complexity handles spiced dishes, rich stews, and game equally well. The Chenin Blanc's weight and acidity cut through creamy cheeses and roasted chicken. Pinotage's structure suits barbecued meats and Cape Malay curries. These are food wines because they're built on terroir, not extraction.

Why does Spice Route own its own vineyards?

Estate ownership gives complete control over quality from vine to bottle. Charles Back established this principle in 1998, ensuring consistent winemaking choices and terroir expression across 100 hectares in Malmesbury and Darling.

What makes the Malmesbury vineyard special?

Malmesbury shale and red clay subsoils produce fruit of exceptional intensity. Bush-trained vines are never irrigated, concentrating flavours and structure through dry-farming discipline in desert-like conditions.

What is Chakalaka and why six grape varieties?

Chakalaka is a six-variety Southern Rhône blend (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Tannat), named after a spicy South African relish. It fuses complex flavours into great intensity with supple tannins and Rhône-style depth.

Who makes Spice Route wines?

Charles Back founded Spice Route in 1998 and pioneered the Swartland region of South Africa. The estate owns all 100 hectares across Malmesbury and Darling, ensuring complete control from vine to bottle.

What style of wine does Spice Route make?

Spice Route makes rich, intense reds from Grenache, Mourvèdre, Pinotage and Rhône-style blends, plus a barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc. The 2023 Swartland Grenache scored 89 points and displays savoury, juicy character with smooth tannins.