Play in Cape Town – Minimalist Wines Brings Bold Syrah to the City

Play in Cape Town takes many forms – and now wine lovers can add a new kind of tasting experience to the list. Minimalist Wines has opened a bold urban cellar in the heart of the city, bringing world-class Syrah to an unexpected setting.

A New Generation of Winemakers in Cape Town

Cape Town is surrounded by historic winelands, but a new wave of winemakers is redefining South Africa’s wine culture. Among them is Minimalist Wines, founded by Sam Lambson. At just 27, Sam has already made his mark by focusing exclusively on Syrah and exploring its cool-climate potential in regions like Stellenbosch, Elgin, and Cape Agulhas.

A Cellar in the City

Instead of settling on a farm, Sam and his team have taken the bold step of opening their winery in Cape Town’s Roodehek Precinct. Housed in a repurposed factory near the Mount Nelson Hotel, the cellar blends industrial style with state-of-the-art winemaking. Their premium Syrahs – Stars in the Dark, Connect the Dots, and No Place Like Home – are crafted here with precision and passion.

Visitors can book private tastings and enjoy a glass-walled view into the working winery and barrel store. It’s a fresh and exciting way to play in Cape Town for wine enthusiasts.

Minimalist Winemaking, Maximum Expression

The philosophy is simple: do less to achieve more. For Minimalist Wines, that means intervening as little as possible in the winemaking process, letting the terroir speak for itself. All vineyards are cool-climate sites, and Sam’s mantra is to “tread lightly, if imperfectly – in winemaking, and in life.”

From Cape Town to the World

Minimalist Wines has earned international acclaim, with bottles featured on fine dining menus and exported to the UK and beyond. A portion of proceeds also supports the South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG), making every sip part of a bigger story

– see SADAG.

Looking to play in Cape Town in a new way? Minimalist Wines invites you to explore their cellar, taste their Syrahs, and experience how creativity is reshaping the city’s wine culture.

This article has been adapted from the original piece published in This is Cape Town Magazine, Volume 5, specifically for the blog. To view the original article, click here or read the full magazine online at www.thisis.capetown/resources.