Smiley Wines – Swartland, South Africa

At the heart of Terracura in Swartland are the Smiley non-vintage wines that have not only spearheaded the brand but have been trail blazers for off the beaten track and maverick winemaking in South Africa. First vinified by winemaker Ryan Mostert just short of a decade ago – inspired by the hyper-oxidised wines of the Jura in France – it has grown into a fascinating vehicle with which to push the boundaries of South African winemaking in a region already renowned for raging against the status quo. Winemaker Chris Groenewald of Pounding Grape Wines has taken over production creating, wines that simultaneously intrigue and delight, managing to be both esoteric and accessible.