Idiom, Whalehaven & Lothian hosts an exclusive importer dinner as part of Cape Wine 2025.
– Cape Town, 11 September 2025

As part of Cape Wine 2025, the Cool Roots of Cape Terroir Importer Dinner was hosted on 10 September at the Terrarium Restaurant in Cape Town’s Queen Victoria Hotel. The evening was a true celebration of South Africa’s cool-climate wines and the unique terroirs that shape them.

The evening drew an amazing turnout, with a wonderfully diverse group of guests. Attendees joined us from across the globe — from South Korea and the Philippines to the United States and beyond — creating a vibrant mix of voices, stories, and connections. It was a reminder that fine wine has the power to bring people together across cultures and continents.

Cool-climate regions are celebrated for producing wines with freshness, elegance, and balance. Lower temperatures slow the ripening process, allowing grapes to develop more nuanced aromas, vibrant acidity, and refined structure. It is this climate-driven distinction that sets Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other cool-climate varietals apart, giving them their distinctive character and international appeal.

Guests were treated to a comparative tasting of standout varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, alongside both a Cape Blend and a Bordeaux Blend. Each wine shone in its own way, showcasing the distinctive terroirs of Idiom (Coastal Stellenbosch), Lothian of Elgin, and Whalehaven (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley).

As the courses flowed, new relationships began, conversations sparked, and future opportunities emerged. The evening was not only about wine and food but also about planting the seeds of partnerships that we look forward to building and flourishing in the years ahead.

A special thanks goes to Gavin and Ewen from Lothian, Roberto from Idiom, and Silvana from Whalehaven, whose passion and expertise brought the wines to life, as well as to the Terrarium Restaurant team, who curated an exceptional dining experience to complement the wines.

The Menu Highlights

• Melon & Seaweed with Whalehaven Sauvignon Blancs (2024 & 2025)

• Crispy Fried Artichoke Hearts with Forest Mushroom Emulsion paired with Whalehaven Chardonnays (2022)

• Charred Cauliflower Parfait with Lothian Chardonnay 2022

• Tomato Tartar with Peach Atchar paired with Lothian Pinot Noir 2022

• Roasted Venison Loin with Idiom Zinfandel 2022

• Kale & Potato with Braised Fennel paired with Idiom Bordicon Blend 2022 and Idiom Cape Blend 2022

The pairing of wines and food created a seamless journey through terroir and taste — an experience that reflected the very heart of Cape Wine 2025.

The Cool Roots of Cape Terroir dinner was not just an event; it was a celebration of South Africa’s wine story and the connections that grow when people gather to share in it.

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