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.
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