29/04/2026
The first edition of Vermentino Day at Ayama Wine Farm.
The "Vermentino reality" in South Africa has evolved from a single experimental vineyard into a vibrant, multi-style wine expressions. For the first time in April 2026, South Africa celebrated its inaugural Vermentino Day, a dedicated festival showcasing how this Mediterranean variety has successfully adapted to the Western Cape’s terroir.
The first Vermentino vineyard at Ayama Wine Farm was planted in 2014. This historic planting on the scenic slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain marked the first time this Italian grape variety was grown in South Africa. A small experimental quantity was vinified in 2016, with the first official commercial harvest following in 2017.
The first Vermentino Day in South Africa took place on 25th April 2026, at Ayama Wine Farm in Voor–Paardeberg – Paarl. The event celebrates the Italian grape variety with three producers — Ayama, Bacco, and Morgenster —showcasing their distinct expressions.
Vermentino in South Africa is proving to be a versatile, drought-resistant, primarily thriving in hot, dry, coastal climates with rocky soils that mirror its native Sardinia island in Italy. Its expression in the Cape is characterized by high, bracing acidity, strong salinity, and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel.
Vermentino Day was an opportunity to savour three expressions, three terroirs, and three stories of wineries that believed in the potential of this wonderful variety and that harmonized the characteristics of the grape with the different nuances of the territory:
Set on the slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, Ayama Wine Farm reflects the seamless meeting of Italian winemaking tradition and South African terroir. Italian-born winemaker Chiara Fabietti says: “The Vermentino planted in South Africa has qualitative characteristics that make it a versatile grape variety for different winemaking styles. It will be exciting to discover them together during the first edition of Vermentino Day.”
At Bacco Estate, winemaker Julia Blaine works with a single vineyard planted in 2016, where Vermentino thrives in warm, windy conditions. “In our climate, the wine develops a beautiful perfume, while techniques such as skin contact add texture and complexity,” she notes. Her wine, Bacio del Sole, meaning “kissed by the sun”, will be showcased alongside Ayama and Morgenster.
“For Morgenster Estate, Vermentino Day reflects our deeply rooted Italian heritage. Grown in the Helderberg’s maritime-influenced climate, closely mirroring that of its Mediterranean homeland, our Vermentino is crafted in a classic Aperitivo style, offering freshness, vibrancy and true varietal character. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to explore its versatility across different regions,” says mother and daughter team, Federica and Vittoria from the Bertrand Family.
Together, this collaboration presented a compelling narrative of three producers, three regions, one varietal: Vermentino.
During Vermentino Day, Ayama Cellar hosted a Masterclass for journalists and media. After a welcome and toast with Vermentino MCC, the three wineries each offered tastings of two Vermentino wines. The six wines differed in terms of aging, vintage, and winemaking style (two barrel-aged and four in stainless steel).
The first edition of Vermentino Day was an opportunity to show the great adaptability, versatility and great potential of this wonderful grape variety.
Ayama Slent Farms Bacco Estate Morgenster Estate
🔞 Not for under 18. Drink responsibly or the legal age in your country
