I was delighted to join a small gathering of friends and family recently to witness a poignant milestone in Darling: Charles Withington officially handing over the keys of the beloved Darling Wine Shop to Christelle van der Vyver.
The shop has been a cornerstone of the town since 2011, when Charles first envisioned its potential. Not only did he establish the store, but he also convinced his long-time friend, Serge Damseaux, to develop the adjacent properties. Together, they created a row of stylish shopfronts that uplifted the entire area, turning a simple street corner into a sophisticated destination.
Christelle is the natural successor to this legacy. After years at Groote Post, a stint in Pietermaritzburg, and a welcome return to the winelands, she has been running the store alongside Charles for 4 years. As Charles moves into a well-earned season of relaxation, Christelle takes up the mantle with local experience and deep passion. (Though Charles did admit there is one thing he’ll truly miss: the iconic, eye-catching "Red Red Wine" Fiat 500!)
The gathering was made even more special by the presence of Charles Back of Fairview and Spice Route fame. A legendary orator and a major investor in the Darling terroir, Back’s enthusiasm for the region is infectious.
"Darling is the next big sexy thing in the world of wine," he enthused, reaffirming his belief in the unique potential of these cool-climate vineyards.
It was a privilege to hear Charles Back share personal stories and insights about Charles Withington’s impact on the industry. To hear the full tribute and the story behind this Darling institution, listen to the video below:
(Apologies for some of Charles Back's head being cut off, but you can still hear him.)
Charles’s connection to the winelands began in the very heart of the industry. Born in Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch, the family also lived for a couple of years on Meerlust, where his family lived in the beautifully converted slave quarters, an upbringing that surely contributed to his interest in wine.
He eventually made his way to Stellenbosch University, where he spent time exploring law. However, the call of the practical world was stronger than the classroom. Charles soon realized that his true education would take place in the cellar and the marketplace, rather than the lecture hall after a chance conversation with the legendary Reg Nicholson on the steps of the Stellenbosch Post Office, who suggested he be part of the changes at Rustenberg. This was in 1974 at the time of Peter and Pam Barlow (father of the current owner, Simon). While he initially tried his hand at vineyard/winemaking, working alongside a young Etienne le Riche (now of the famed Le Riche Wines), Charles soon discovered his true calling lay in marketing and exports.
It was a role he excelled in, spending nearly 20 years at Rustenberg helping to define the estate’s global presence. This two-decade tenure didn't just build a career; it established Charles as a foundational figure in the modern era of South African wine marketing.
Judy Brower; Marcelle and Etienne le Riche; and Janet and Charles Withington.
The next phase of Charles’s career saw him join another of the industry’s most influential dynasties: the Back family. Working at Backsberg under the guidance of Sydney Back (father of Michael and uncle to Fairview’s Charles), his strategic mind proved indispensable. As the Rand began its historic downward spiral, it was Charles’s foresight that steered Backsberg to set export prices in foreign currency, a move that provided vital stability during a turbulent economic era.
It was also during his tenure at Backsberg that Charles forged a lifelong friendship with American wine legends Zelma Long and Phil Freese. Decades later, that cross-continental bond remains as strong as ever, a testament to Charles’s ability to build lasting bridges across the global wine community.
Charles has never been one to stay in a single lane. His career has spanned everything from high-level exports to crafting boutique wines under his own name. But perhaps his most tangible gift to the industry is the Darling Wine Shop. Founded in 2011, the shop is a triumph of form and function. Charles is quick to credit the genius of Alan McManus, a much-respected shop designer who, among other projects, devised some of the then “new” Mako interiors. Alan’s generous contribution to the shop’s layout ensured it wasn't just a beautiful space, but a masterfully planned retail environment, a true "coup" for the town of Darling.
Today, Charles has turned his formidable energy toward another great passion: Cape Potstill brandy. As a driving force behind the Cape Brandy Distillers Guild, he is instrumental in raising the profile of South Africa’s finest spirits. Through his own exquisite brand, Voorkamer, he is helping to uphold the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Cape Brandy, ensuring it holds the same global prestige and protection as Cognac or Champagne.
It is a mission of authenticity and provenance, preserving the best of the Cape for future generations.
So, let us join together and raise a glass of fine Cape Potstill Brandy to the inimitable Charles Withington. Santé!