For the Woolworths WCellar team, few pleasures are as simple yet satisfying as indulging in the first sips of a newly discovered wine. This summer, if you’re looking for something truly unique to tickle your taste buds, Fryer’s Cove is sure to hit the spot.

Overlooking Fryer’s Cove Winery – a unique, refurbished crayfish factory in the heart of Doringbaai.

A beautifully unexpected vineyard location
A mere 540m from where the cold ocean meets the rocky West Coast shore – making it South Africa’s closest vineyard to the sea – you’ll find the tenacious vines of Fryer’s Cove. Here, in Doringbaai, within the Bamboes Bay ward (the smallest in South Africa at just 10 hectares), is where the magic happens. 

Each year, approximately 50kg of sea salt, carried by the crisp ocean mist, lands on the vineyards, giving the wines a unique maritime flavour. It is this same ice-cold Atlantic Ocean water that is used to cool the cellar tanks, ensuring perfect temperature control throughout the winemaking process. 

The ocean’s influence runs deep at Fryer’s Cove – quite literally. At the heart of the cellar sits a remarkable fish tank housing indigenous sea life alongside 300 submerged bottles of their prized Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

A taste of tenacity in every glass 
It all started about 30 years ago when Jan (Ponk) van Zyl, the founder of Fryer’s Cove, had an ambitious dream to craft distinctive fine wines, the likes of which South Africa was yet to see. However, making the most of this particular terroir was by no means easy – nothing worth doing ever is. Just getting off the ground, or rather watering it, meant having to lay 30km of irrigation pipeline from Vredendal to Bamboes Bay. This required the cooperation of many farmers, but in true West Coast spirit, the community came together. 

Fryer’s Cove winemaker Liza Goodwin perfects Sauvignon Blanc.

Under the expertise of winemaker Liza Goodwin, each vintage tells its own unique story. A master of her craft since graduating viticulture and oenology from Elsenburg College in 1994, Liza’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: minimal intervention. She believes in letting each harvest express its natural character, allowing the distinctive terroir to shine through in every bottle.

A sea-kissed Sauvignon Blanc 
Fryer’s Cove’s cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, grown in heavily decomposed granitic soils, is harvested exclusively in the early mornings and late evenings to preserve the grapes’ freshness. Bursting with vibrant citrus and mouthwatering saline savouriness, this wine pairs perfectly with sashimi, oysters and ceviche (basically anything from the sea), as well as salads and grilled chicken.

 

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A versatile red
Fryer’s Cove Grenache Cinsault captivates with its light violet hues, offering a beautiful medium-bodied wine packed with aromas of wild raspberry and subtle clove spice. This versatile red shines alongside Mediterranean dishes like lamb koftas or vegetarian mezze platters. For a true South African experience, pair it with locally sourced venison.

Serve Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards wines at your table
In collaboration with the Woolworths WCellar Sommelier Team, both the distinctive Fryer’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc and the elegant Grenache Cinsault are now available at WCellar. Experience these extraordinary wines for yourself and taste why Fryer’s Cove is a proud sponsor of the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.  

Fryer’s Cove is a member of DGB, the official wine sponsor for the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, happening on 31 March 2025. Stay tuned to Eat Out platforms for all the latest updates.