The theme for the latest UK press tasting was the new umbrella region covering the wine growing districts of Cape Agulhas, Overberg, Plettenberg Bay, Swellendam and Walker Bay. With 2,712ha currently under vine, Wines of South Africa decided to take a closer look at this coastal wine growing area and present some wines from the Cape South Coast region to the UK`s press and wine writers.

Our tasting took place at the South African High Commission in Trafalgar Square, London, on Wednesday 18^th July. We showcased over 100 wines and the grape varieties ranged from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah to varieties that you wouldn`t necessarily associate with South Africa such as Barbera, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo that made interesting blends.

High profile press that attended our event included Victoria Moore (Wine Writer for The Telegraph, Olive magazine and www.planetvictoria.co.uk) Peter Richards MW (Saturday Kitchen), Richard Hemming (jancisrobinson.com), Steven Spurrier (Decanter) Charles Metcalfe (co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge and http://www.charlesmetcalfe.com/), Sarah Jane Evans MW (BBC Good Food Magazine), Jane Parkinson (The Wine Gang and http://www.janeparkinson.com/) , Joe Wadsack (http://www.joewadsack.com/) and Conde Naste wine writer, Colin Hampden-White.

Below are some tweets and articles from the tasting:

Colin Hampden-White ‏@champdenwhite

VG tasting @WinesofSA @ClaudiaWOSAUK Luddite Shz 06 Ashbourne Pinotage 07, Bouchard Finlayson Tete de Cuvee PN 09 v gd pic.twitter.com/niBnn8jx

Hans Joachim Wadsack ‏@vinesack

Out of the never-tried-before list, particularly impressed by Strandveld, Gabriëlskloof and Shannon.

Richard Hemming ‏@RichardHemming

Praise be to Barton Vineyards in Walker Bay, for their 2011 Chenin Blanc is delicious, and great value at £8.49 RRP.

Hans Joachim Wadsack ‏@vinesack

Can you feel it? You know? The serenity? pic.twitter.com/ESDNmcOC

Window On Wine ‏@WindowOnWine

Been a fan of the Chardonnay for a while...met the intriguing secret red blend thanks to @WinesofSA yesterday [Ataraxia Serenity]

Early Bird Wine News: http://earlybirdwinenews.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/wine-into-water.html