As the tropical paradise of Zanzibar continues to attract tourists from all over the world, hotels and restaurants on the island are tasked with offering a top-notch dining experience that matches the stunning surroundings. One key aspect of this is having a well-curated selection of wines that cater to various palates and preferences. Here’s a guide to some of the best wines for hotels in Zanzibar to stock. We would like to introduce you to featured offerings from renowned vineyards.
1. Fairview Wines
Fairview is a celebrated South African winery known for its diverse range and high-quality wines.
Here are some top picks:
- Fairview La Capra Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing wine with notes of green apple and citrus. Perfect for pairing with seafood.
- Fairview La Capra Pinot Grigio: Light and zesty with hints of pear and green melon, this wine is a delightful choice for hot, tropical days.
- Fairview La Capra Pinotage: A unique South African varietal, this Pinotage offers bold flavors of dark berries and spice, ideal for grilled meats.
- Fairview La Capra Merlot: Smooth and easy-drinking with flavors of plum and chocolate. A versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes.
2. Stone Town Wines
Named after the iconic Zanzibar capital destination, the UNESCO heritage site of Stone Town, these wines reflect the island’s vibrant culture.
Here are some top picks:
- Stone Town Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh and zesty with tropical fruit flavors. An excellent choice for white wine lovers.
- Stone Town Coral Rosé: A beautiful pink wine with flavors of strawberries and cream, perfect for sipping by the beach.
- Stone Town Cabernet/Merlot: A balanced red blend with rich, dark fruit flavors and smooth tannins. Great with hearty dishes.
3. Spice Route Wines
Zanzibar is known the world over as the Spice Island because of its prominence in the Spice Route down through history. Spice Island Route wines are from the Spice Island winery in South Afroca. They offer bold and expressive wines that capture the essence of the Swartland region.
The winery’s main vineyards are located on the Klein Amoskuil farm in the Swartland’s foothills, a few kilometers south of Malmesbury. The farm’s soil is a combination of deep clay, decomposed granite, and old Malmesbury shale.
Here are some top Spice Route picks:
- Spice Route Chenin Blanc: This wine boasts rich flavors of peach and honey, with a slight minerality that makes it perfect for spicy dishes.
- Spice Route Pinotage: Robust and full-bodied, with flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and a hint of smoke. A true South African classic.
4. Footprint The Long Walk Wines
Known for their commitment to quality, these wines are a great addition to any wine list. Footprint “The Long Walk” wines are produced by African Pride Wines, a 100% woman-owned company in South Africa. The wines are named after the idea that to leave the well-trodden path and explore is what it means to make a footprint on the world. The winery’s goal is to produce wines that are enjoyable and represent the flavors of South Africa.
- Footprint The Long Walk Chardonnay: With a creamy texture and flavors of apple and vanilla, this Chardonnay is a crowd-pleaser.
- Footprint The Long Walk Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and intense, with notes of blackberry and oak. Pairs well with grilled meats.
5. KWV Wines
KWV is one of the most well-known wine producers in South Africa, offering a wide range of wines. KWV was established as a co-operative to unite South African wine producers and improve the quality of their wines. The name KWV is Dutch for “Co-operative Winemakers Union of South Africa”. KWV played a central role in regulating the South African wine industry until the early 1990s, when it became a commercial player.
- KWV Chenin Blanc: Crisp and fruity with flavors of apple and pear. Perfect for light dishes and salads.
- KWV Pinotage: A deep, rich wine with flavors of blackcurrant and plum. Ideal for pairing with barbecue.
- KWV Cuvee Brut: A sparkling wine with fine bubbles and notes of apple and toast. Great for celebrations.
6. Spier Wines
Spier is renowned for its sustainable practices and high-quality wines. Spier Wine Farm is a family-owned wine farm in South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom known for its award-winning wines, regenerative farming practices, and environmental initiatives:
Spier is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, with a history dating back to 1692. The farm’s cellar is one of the oldest in the country.
- Spier Signature Chardonnay: A well-balanced wine with flavors of citrus and subtle oak. Perfect for creamy dishes.
- Spier Creative Block 5: A Bordeaux blend with complex flavors of dark fruits, spice, and oak. A sophisticated choice for fine dining.
7. Golden Kaan Wines
These wines bring a taste of the Cape Winelands to Zanzibar. Since its market introduction in 2003, Golden Kaan has become the epitome of a modern, South African wine – a wine which carries the images of this beautiful country on the southern tip of Africa like no other: the vast expanse of the land, wild and untamed nature, adventure, and a touch of luxury.
Africa is a continent that has truly mastered the art of spoiling your senses. Start your journey with Golden Kaan and explore the flavours of Africa.
Golden Kaan Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty and vibrant with tropical fruit flavors. Ideal for seafood and salads.
Golden Kaan Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant and a hint of vanilla. Pairs beautifully with red meats.
8. Warwick Wines
Warwick wines are known for their elegance and refinement. Warwick Wine Estate is a winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa, known for its high-quality wines and commitment to the land. The estate was originally a fruit farm in 1771, but became a winery in 1964 when Stan and Norma Ratcliffe bought it. Norma became one of the Cape’s first female winemakers.
- Warwick The First Lady Chardonnay: A delightful wine with flavors of citrus and a creamy finish. Great for poultry and seafood.
- Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and smooth with dark fruit flavors and a touch of spice. Perfect for robust dishes.
9. Freixenet Sparkling Wines
Add a touch of sparkle to your wine list with these bubbly options. Freixenet is a Spanish winery that produces sparkling wines, including Cava, and is one of the world’s largest sparkling wine producers. Founded in 1914 by Pere Ferrer and Dolores Sala, the winery is located in Penedès, a region in northeast Spain that’s known for its ideal climate for growing grapes.
The name Freixenet comes from the word fresno, which means ash tree.
Freixenet produces more than 114 million bottles of Cava each year.
- Freixenet Cava Ice White: A refreshing sparkling wine with notes of apple and pear. Ideal for toasting special occasions.
- Freixenet Prosecco: Light and fruity with flavors of citrus and green apple. Great for aperitifs or brunch.
10. B&G Wines
B&G offers a range of French wines that are both elegant and accessible. Thomas Barton and Daniel Guestier founded B&G in Bordeaux in 1725, making it the first international wine brand in the city. B&G works with nearly 200 sustainable winegrowers across France’s main wine regions. They use strict guidelines to control grape varieties, yields, and winemaking methods. B&G wines are aged in oak barrels or stainless steel vats, depending on the appellation.
- B&G Vouvray: A lovely Chenin Blanc with flavors of honey and apricot. Perfect for pairing with spicy dishes.
- B&G Côtes de Provence Tourmaline: A dry rosé with flavors of strawberry and citrus. Ideal for hot days and light meals.
11. Savanha Wines
These Savanha wines a signature collection from the South Africa Spier winery are perfect for casual dining and relaxed settings.
- Savanha Chardonnay: A versatile white wine with flavors of citrus and a hint of vanilla.
- Savanha Pinotage/Shiraz: A red blend with bold flavors of dark fruits and spice. Great for barbecue and hearty dishes.
12. Casal Garcia Wines
From Portugal, these wines add a different twist to your list. Garcia Wines are present in over 70 countries. Casal Garcia is today the best-selling vinho verde in the world. Casal Garcia accompanies all the moments of good cheer of various generations, being an ambassador for Happiness throughout the world.
- Casal Garcia Vinho Verde: Light, fresh, and slightly fizzy with flavors of green apple and lime. Perfect for seafood.
- Casal Garcia Rosé: Bright and fruity with flavors of red berries. A refreshing choice for summer.
13. Cune Rioja Wines
Spanish wines that bring warmth and richness to your offerings. Cune Rioja Wines, also known as Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), is a historic and renowned winery in Spain:
Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers, CVNE is one of Spain’s oldest wineries. The winery is still run by descendants of the brothers, with Victor Urrutia Ybarra as the current CEO.
- Cune Rioja Crianza: A red wine with flavors of cherry and vanilla, with a smooth finish. Great for lamb and beef dishes.
- Vina Real Rioja Rosado: A fruity rosé with flavors of strawberry and raspberry. Perfect for tapas.
14. Champagne Selections
Nothing says celebration like a bottle of Champagne. Champagne is a sparkling wine that originated in the Champagne region of France and is known for its delicate bubbles, dry flavor, and association with luxury and celebration:
Champagne is made using a specific method called the Méthode Champenoise, which involves secondary fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation. The grapes used to make Champagne are hand-harvested from specific vineyards in the Champagne region and must be at least 51% from that region. The most common grapes used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, but other grapes like Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris may also be used.
Champagne is pale gold to pink in color and has an alcohol content of 11–13%. It has a relatively dry flavor with tasting notes of apple, almond, and citrus fruits.
Champagne became associated with royalty in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and is still associated with luxury and celebration today. Champagne brands sponsor many famous international events.
Champagne is already aged properly before being sold, so it doesn’t necessarily benefit from additional aging. Non-vintage Champagnes can be kept unopened for three to four years, and vintage cuvées for five to ten years.
Champagne generally contains sulfur dioxide, which is one of the 14 major food allergens. However, the bubbles in Champagne reduce oxidation, which leads to a reduction in sulfur dioxide. Most Champagne is suitable for vegans.
- Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: Elegant and refined with flavors of citrus and brioche. Ideal for special occasions.
- Champagne Brut Rosé: A beautiful pink sparkling wine with flavors of red berries. Perfect for romantic dinners.
Conclusion:
Stocking a diverse selection of wines can significantly enhance the dining experience for guests at your hotel. From crisp whites to robust reds and sparkling wines, there is something to suit every palate. Make sure to educate your staff about these wines so they can make thoughtful recommendations to guests. Cheers to creating unforgettable moments in Zanzibar!
