The 5th Cederberg Shiraz Festival returns, bringing Shiraz & Spice together in celebration of one of Cederberg’s signature wines; an opportunity to gather around a wine that has become part of our story.
Join us for an intimate evening where every glass is perfectly paired, every flavour tells a story, and every moment is designed to celebrate the distinctive character of Shiraz.
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What to Expect
Pretoria: The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room in Pretoria provides the ideal setting to discover the rugged character and remarkable depth of wines born in the Cederberg mountains. Experience the bold expression of Shiraz through thoughtfully paired flavours, engaging conversation, and an evening dedicated to exceptional wine.
Tucked into the heart of Cape Town, Don Armando pairs warm hospitality with bold flavours in an intimate setting made for lingering over great food and wine. Experience the depth and elegance of Shiraz in a space where every glass invites conversation and every pairing leaves a lasting impression.
Set along the banks of the Orange River, Red Ox Steakhouse offers a striking setting where exceptional steaks and world-class wines come together. Discover the rich intensity of Shiraz in a venue that celebrates bold flavours, warm hospitality, and unforgettable Northern Cape sunsets.
Overlooking the beachfront in Gqeberha, Ginger brings together refined dining, coastal charm, and an award-winning wine experience. Savour the complexity of Shiraz in an elegant setting where thoughtful cuisine and ocean views create an unforgettable evening.
Embarc offers a contemporary dining experience where exceptional cuisine and fine wine come together effortlessly. Join us in Johannesburg to explore the depth and complexity of Cederberg Shiraz, perfectly paired with a menu crafted to elevate every glass.
The pepper aroma in Shiraz comes from the same compound found in black pepper.
Shiraz contains a natural aroma compound called rotundone – the exact same compound responsible for the smell of freshly cracked black pepper. No pepper is added to the wine; the grape naturally produces it. Shiraz is one of the few grape varieties where rotundone is commonly found in noticeable amounts.
Not Everyone Can Smell Shiraz’s Pepper Notes.
Here’s the surprising part: around 20–25% of people are unable to detect rotundone, the compound responsible for Shiraz’s peppery aroma. Two people can smell the same glass of Shiraz and have completely different experiences – one may notice lots of black pepper, while the other smells only fruit.
Cooler Vineyards Produce More Peppery Shiraz.
The famous peppery character of Shiraz is often stronger when the grapes are grown in cool-climate regions. Cooler temperatures help preserve rotundone in the grapes, resulting in more pronounced spicy aromas. This is one reason why cool-climate Shiraz styles – like those from Cederberg – can display distinctive pepper and spice notes alongside dark fruit.