Fairview Shiraz: A South African Favorite for National Shiraz Day
Raise a glass this South African National Shiraz Day on Thursday 21 August and discover why Fairview Shiraz continues to capture the hearts of wine lovers. Known for its luscious layers of red and black fruit, balanced spice, and versatility, Shiraz has long been a flagship grape at Fairview. This annual celebration kicks off Shiraz SA’s Seven Days of Shiraz, often extending throughout August, offering the perfect opportunity to explore Fairview’s rich Shiraz heritage.
A Legacy of Shiraz Excellence
Fairview’s relationship with Shiraz began in the 1950s with Cyril Back, a pioneering enthusiast who introduced the grape to the Paarl region. In 1974, Fairview bottled its first Shiraz, sold at South Africa’s first public wine auction—hosted right at the estate. Today, under Charles Back, Fairview has grown from a family farm into an internationally recognized brand celebrated for wine, cheese, and tourism.
Cellarmaster Anthony De Jager, at Fairview since 1996, says, “Shiraz resonates a sense of place few varieties can match. Its diversity and versatility excite me the most.” Fairview has expanded Shiraz plantings across Paarl, Swartland, and Darling, creating wines that showcase the grape’s unique expressions from each region.
Fairview Shiraz Wines & Recent Awards
The estate offers a broad range of Shiraz wines, from approachable blends to prestigious single-vineyard bottlings. Highlights include:
Fairview Shiraz 2021
- Awards: 2024 National Wine Challenge – Double Platinum, Top 100 SA Wine
- Tasting Notes: Notes of black pepper, red berries, plum, and a hint of lavender. Plummy red fruit with signature spice on the palate. Ages 5–8 years.
- Retail: R125
Fairview Cyril Back Shiraz 2022
- Awards: 2025 National Wine Challenge – Double Platinum, Top 100 SA Wines
- Tasting Notes: Dense black and blue berries, plums, warm oak spices, firm powdery tannins. Ageing potential 8–10 years.
- Retail: R1250
Single Vineyard Range:
- The Beacon Shiraz 2021 (WO Swartland): Five Stars, Platter’s 2025 SA Wine Guide. Dark plum, dried olive, charcuterie, liquorice; bold, structured, built for ageing. Retail: R580
- Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2022 (WO Paarl): Double Platinum, Top 100 Wines. Dense plum, red berries, wild fynbos, clove spice, firm tannins. Retail: R580
- Lanner Hill Syrah 2022 (WO Darling Hills): Double Platinum, Top 100 Wines. Black cherry, red berries, violets, cracked pepper; long, fresh, refined finish. Retail: R580
Rhône-Style Blends:
- Fairview Caldera 2022: Five Stars, Platter’s 2025 SA Wine Guide. Fruit-forward, red cherry, summer berries, fynbos, pepper. Retail: R190
- Goats Do Roam Red 2023: 94 points, Winemag.co.za. Juicy, berry-rich, smooth with integrated oak. Retail: R83
Celebrate Shiraz at Fairview
Join Fairview in August to experience Shiraz in person:
- Shiraz Tasting: Enjoy a special selection of Shiraz wines at the Fairview Tasting Room (included in standard tastings).
- Goatshed Restaurant: Two-course lunch with a glass of The Beacon Shiraz 2021 at R295 per person (bookings essential: goatshed@fairview.co.za / 021 863 3609).
Though the annual Fairview Shiraz and Shanks Dinner is sold out, Fairview’s tastings and dining experiences still offer the perfect way to toast this versatile grape.
Visit Fairview for a World-Class Experience
Situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, Fairview offers immersive experiences: artisanal wine and cheese tastings, gourmet groceries, homegrown lunches at the Goatshed, and of course, a stop at the iconic Goat Tower.
Purchase Fairview Shiraz and blends:
- At the Fairview Cellar Door
- Online: fairviewmarketplace.co.za
- Nationally: Leading grocers, liquor retailers, and specialist wine merchants