Chenin Blanc is one of the most fascinating and versatile grapes around — a bit of a quiet hero in the wine world. In South Africa, it’s our most widely planted grape variety, and we’re immensely proud of it. But did you know it goes by many names depending on where you are?

In the Loire Valley of France — its original home — you might see it called Pineau de la Loire. In South Africa, we simply (and fondly) call it Steen. And globally, it’s celebrated for doing just about everything — from fresh, crisp whites to rich, oak-aged styles, sweet dessert wines and even sparkling.

Wild House Chenin Blanc
Wild House Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc’s roots go back to the Loire Valley in France, where it’s still used for elegant wines from regions like Vouvray and Savennières. But it’s in South Africa where the grape has found a second home — and a whole new level of expression. South Africa is now the largest producer of Chenin Blanc in the world.

The beauty of Chenin Blanc is its flexibility. It can be:

  • Fresh and zippy — with notes of green apple, quince and lemon
  • Fruity and tropical — think pineapple, melon and peach
  • Rich and textural — with honey, baked apple, and subtle spice from oak ageing
  • Or lusciously sweet — full of stone fruit, apricot and floral notes

In South Africa, the grape thrives in old bush vines, which naturally produce lower yields of concentrated fruit. Many producers hand-pick grapes for quality and use a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels to create different styles — from crisp and youthful to rich and age-worthy.

Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a food lover’s dream. It works brilliantly with:

Food Pairing? Chenin Does It All.

Chenin Blanc is a food lover’s dream. It works brilliantly with:

  • Fresh seafood (grilled prawns, calamari, sushi)
  • Roast chicken or pork with apple
  • Creamy pasta or risotto
  • Mild curries or spiced dishes (Thai, Cape Malay)
  • Summer salads and soft cheeses
Franschhoek Cellar Chenin Blanc

Cheese Pairings:

A crisp, dry Chenin is perfect with goat’s cheese or a young cheddar, while a richer barrel-aged style will stand up to Brie or Camembert. Sweet Chenin Blanc? Bring out the blue cheese or a creamy Gorgonzola for a dream match.

Chenin Blanc is one of the most exciting grapes to explore because no two bottles are the same. It reflects its terroir and winemaker’s vision beautifully — and in South Africa, that means everything from bright, citrusy everyday wines to complex, cellar-worthy bottlings.

Whatever your style — crisp and refreshing or rich and layered — there’s a Chenin Blanc for you.

Explore our Chenin Blanc range and taste one of South Africa’s greatest gifts to the wine world.