Wine is more than fermented grapes. It is history, resilience, and connection bottled for the table.
Take Catharina Ras, a bold and fearless pioneer whose journey shaped Steenberg's legacy. She defied convention, carved out a life against the odds, and left behind a story that lives on in Steenberg's Flagship and Artisan reds. Her determination, courage, and vision remain infused in every glass. So, when choosing your next red, shouldn't the story matter, too?
"Today's wine drinkers are more conscious about their choices. Stories, relevance, and experience matter more than ever," says Carryn Wiltshire, marketing manager at Steenberg Wine. "A backstory gives context and enriches the experience."
Research echoes this trend: younger wine consumers in particular are drawn to brands with authentic stories, whether rooted in heritage, sustainability, or innovation. For many, drinking wine is not just about taste but about belonging to a narrative (Wine Intelligence).
Storytelling is powerful. Narratives can make products up to 22 times more memorable than facts alone (Meininger's International). Emotional connection drives consumer loyalty, and brands that share authentic heritage and sensory narratives tend to differentiate themselves and foster deeper engagement (Interpreting Wine).
As Wiltshire puts it, "Wine is an experience, and each component of the journey adds to it from the surroundings and the company to the beauty of the label and the story behind the wine. All of these elements deepen the connection that people have with it."
Catharina Ras was no ordinary settler. In 1682 she became the first registered female landowner in South Africa, claiming the land that would become Steenberg. Her life was marked by resilience, risk-taking, and reinvention with all of these qualities mirrored in the wines that bear her name today.
"Catharina is a tribute to our heritage and history," Wiltshire explains. "It is bold yet suave, forthright yet subtle, assured and alluring. The perfect tribute to a woman who lived with courage and conviction."
Steenberg's portfolio of reds continues this spirit of authenticity:
- Catharina: a Bordeaux-style blend designed to develop over time, offering structure and nuanced layers
- Nebbiolo: South Africa's first mother block of this Italian varietal, flourishing in Steenberg's cool-climate terroir and carrying a narrative of experimentation and discovery
- A smooth and elegant Merlot with a velvety texture that complements Mediterranean-inspired cuisine
Each wine is considered, intentional, and deeply rooted in history with qualities that stand apart from generic offerings.
For Wiltshire, the key lies in relevance: "Stories that are courageous and authentic will resonate. A wine with a backstory or history is often more considered be it vines planted for specific sites or blends created to reflect a personality or heritage. These wines tend to be more complex, more curated, and ultimately more rewarding."
When selecting your next red, think of it as choosing a book or film. Does the story behind the wine resonate with you? Does it connect with your values, heritage, sustainability, or innovation? If so, you'll find the enjoyment of the wine extends well beyond the glass.
Wiltshire also notes that wines with legacy deserve a dish of substance. For Steenberg's Catharina blend, she recommends "a garlic and rosemary stuffed roast lamb shoulder or any rich red meat dish with a bold, saucy base." Nebbiolo, with its Italian lineage, is perfectly paired alongside game meats or aged cheeses, while Merlot pairs effortlessly with tomato-based stews, briny olives, and mature cheeses.
Food and wine pairing, much like storytelling, is about connection and finding resonances that elevate both. A story-rich red, shared with the right meal, creates moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.
"Wine is a drink for occasions, big or small," Wiltshire reflects. "A wine with a story deepens the connections and memories created around the table. It's not just what's in the glass, it's the meaning it carries."
So next time, consider looking beyond familiar labels. Choose a red wine that carries history, courage, or innovation in its DNA. With every sip, you'll not only taste the craftsmanship but step into a story that connects past and present.
A glass of wine carries more than flavour. It carries a story. The people, place, and history behind it invite us to pause, connect, and appreciate the journey from vine to table. Choosing wine with a story turns each sip into a quiet celebration of heritage, creativity, and the human spirit.
About Steenberg Vineyards
Founded in 1682 and nestled in the Constantia Valley just 30 minutes from Cape Town, Steenberg is South Africa's first registered wine estate and a benchmark for cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc and elegant red blends. Under the direction of Cellarmaster Elunda Basson, chair of Sauvignon Blanc SA and vice chair of the Cap Classique Producers Association, the estate continues to deliver age-worthy wines of depth, minerality, and refinement. The estate also offers a full luxury experience, including a boutique hotel, spa, fine dining, and world-class tasting room.