South Africa
|
Swartland
Our Story
Like many wines in the world, The Curator was born of an unintentional circumstance. In 2011, a very important grocery company in America had asked us to source natural wines which would over deliver in terms of quality to price.
We set off for Swartland, home to many ancient dry-farmed bush vine vineyards. Swartland is the oldest wine region in South Africa and the largest - and it had been nearly forgotten about. We rescued some of the highest quality old vine fruit from farmers who would have otherwise sold their wines to big wineries to blend into their tanks of commercial wine. Many of these vines are over 100 years old, so old that they produce very small yields, giving fantastically high quality grapes.
Gregg Perkins coined the name, The Curator, after Bartholomew Broadbent who was known for curating great wines from around the world! Our first vintage was the 2011 and it was so fabulous that we decided to offer it to other customers across America. It became known as the “best value wine on the market” and was such a success that it has subsequently been sold in places like the United Kingdom, Norway and Quebec! Our South African winemaker has been making the wine since 2011 and Bartholomew determines the final blend.
Wines
Reserve Chenin Blanc
Broadbent – The Curator
Swartland
Aromatic and vibrant, this Chenin Blanc expresses the spectacular Swartland terroir. Sourced from old, dry-farmed bush vines, it offers a beautiful bouquet of sweet honeysuckle and wildflower notes. On the palate, it’s lively and textured with bright acidity, freshness, and appealing minerality. A wine of intensity and finesse, with good length and a charming chalky finish.
Reserve Pinotage
Broadbent – The Curator
Swartland
To mark the 100th anniversary of the variety, The Curator introduces a new Reserve Pinotage in 2025. Sourced from 25–30-year-old bush vines rooted in granite and shale soils, the wine channels Swartland’s raw, coastal energy. Native-yeast fermentation in stainless steel and gentle extraction through soft pump-overs preserve fruit integrity, while aging in a combination of French oak and steel adds polish without weight. The style is medium-bodied, juicy, and texturally refined — a modern interpretation designed to honor Pinotage’s centennial with approachability and authenticity.
The Curator Red Blend
Broadbent – The Curator
Swartland Appellation
One of the best values in the wine world: bush vines of Shiraz and usually Grenache and Mourvèdre, hand harvested from granite and slate soils, done in concrete and old casks. Juicy, red berry, fresh herb. casks. Juicy, red berry, fresh herb.
The Curator White Blend
Broadbent – The Curator
Swartland Appellation
A Chenin Blanc blend from the Swartland for a price that warrants case buys. Perhaps the best value in the wine world today: hand harvested, bush vines, granite and slate soils. All done in concrete. Structured, dried peaches, warm spice.
