Guide to Wine Podcast: Episode 130

What Makes South African Wine So Unique w/ Duncan Savage (Part 1)

Air Date: Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

Listen to the Podcast!

You may have heard of Napa and Bordeaux…but the next great wine region might just surprise you. Welcome to South Africa!

In this episode, winemaker Duncan Savage joins from Cape Town to share his journey from head winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards to founder of Savage Wines, one of the most exciting and celebrated names in South Africa’s new wave movement.

Duncan’s story is filled with humility, humor, and hard-won insight from falling in love with wine by accident to building a small but mighty urban winery in Cape Town’s Salt River district. You’ll hear how South Africa’s vineyards are shaped by wind, ocean, and innovation and why the region’s wines are finally getting the global recognition they deserve.

He also breaks down why most South African producers lease rather than own their vineyards, how climate change is shifting harvests, and why collaboration, rather than competition, is fueling the country’s wine renaissance.

If you’ve ever been curious about South African wine or wondered what makes these coastal wines so distinct, you’ll love this episode that dives into the stories, landscapes, and philosophies shaping one of the world’s most exciting wine regions.

Don’t miss part 2 of my conversation with Duncan next week - Episode 131!

Connect with Duncan:
Website - https://broadbent.com/producers/savage-wines/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/savagewines/

Episode Highlights:

• Duncan’s path from Cape Point Vineyards to founding Savage Wines
• How South Africa’s coastal climate shapes flavor and freshness
• The “new wave” winemakers redefining South African wine
• Why most vineyards are leased, not owned
• The evolution of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage styles
• Collaboration over competition in South Africa’s wine scene
• Climate change and the country’s surprising advantage

​Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!

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https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

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Email - [email protected]