Natural Wine in South Africa – Not a Trend, But a Tradition

Natural wine is having a global moment. From Parisian bistros to Cape Town wine bars, drinkers are seeking bottles made with minimal intervention and maximum character. But at Post House Wines, natural wine isn’t a trend—it’s a tradition. We’ve been using natural methods for decades, long before it became fashionable.

Here’s what natural wine means to us—and why South Africa is uniquely suited to making it.

1. What Is Natural Wine, Really?
While there’s no universal certification for natural wine, it typically includes:
 – No chemical additives
 – Wild/natural yeast fermentation
 – No fining or filtration
 – Low to no sulfites
 – Traditional techniques (like basket pressing)
It’s wine made with less manipulation and more trust in the grape and the land.

2. Our Approach at Post House
Every step we take is about preserving integrity:
 – We let wild yeasts—naturally occurring on the grape skins—do the fermentation.
 – We avoid lab-grown commercial yeasts, flavourings, or acid adjustments.
- We use traditional basket presses to extract juice gently, protecting delicate aromas.
- We don’t fine or filter, allowing the wine to retain depth and texture.
We believe wine should taste like where it comes from—not like where it’s been processed.

3. Why South African Terroir Is Perfect for Natural Wine
South Africa offers some of the most diverse terroirs in the world. Our farm, for instance, is situated
on leaner, rocky soils—once considered “marginal” but now prized for producing lower-yield,
balanced vines.
What this means:
 – Less vigorous growth = more concentrated fruit
 – Natural acidity and tannins = less need for corrections
 – Minimal irrigation = resilient vines
 – Sunny days + cool evenings = vibrant, complex wines
This natural balance in the vineyard allows us to take a hands-off approach in the cellar.

4. But Is Natural Wine Better?

“Better” is subjective. But here’s what we believe:
 – It’s more honest – nothing to hide behind.
 – It’s more expressive – vintage variation and terroir shine through.
 – It’s more textured – unfiltered wines carry real mouthfeel and depth.
 – It’s age-worthy – thanks to natural tannins and acidity.

Conclusion
Natural wine isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity. At Post House Wines, we’re proud to let nature lead the process. It’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.