It is pouring with rain, no, it is bucketing down outside; the wind is howling, the chickens in our garden are desperately trying to find some shelter, and the ducks are wearing the biggest smiles ever, as they splash from one puddle to the next, sifting through the mud for whatever goggas they can find.

This is definitely not the kind of day to be outside, but then if you're a wine farmer, you don't really need to be outside at this time of year. The harvest is long since gathered in, and the wines are slowly doing their thing in the cellar. This is the time to contemplate next year's harvest, to try and second guess what wines will be fashionable in 3-5 year's time, given that that is the lead time from planting to selling. Shall we plant more Shiraz, what do we pull up, will organic wines be the next "big thing", screw-cap or cork? There is plenty to occupy the wine makers' minds at this time of year.

For the rest of us, we can sit snugly around the fire or gas lamp (depending on Eskom's latest state-of-play), with a glass of something red and warming. So what can we recommend for the next 3 months?

Here is a selection of Winter Warmers, in no particular order, most of which should be available from most of the Manuka Fine Wine Boutiques:

Morgenster The Summer House 2002
Despite the name, this is a pocket-friendly serious winter wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc. Great with hearty stews, casseroles, steak, or just on its own, around R55

Jean Daniel Initials Red 2003
Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, well balanced blend drinking beautifully now, and with lots of potential for the next 2 or 3 winters as well. R60

Andreas Shiraz 2004
A new discovery from a little-known farm in Wellington. Soft, smooth and full of black berry fruits. It took us a long time to find it, but it was worth the search. New-world style, well priced at R95

Landskroon Pinotage 2004
If you are unsure about Pinotage, this is a great way to learn. A typical Pinotage, soft, plum flavours, great value at R39. Enjoy with lamb, pizza, pasta.

Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
From renowned red-wine estate Rustenberg. Great value, matured unusually in mostly American oak. Very highly rated at Old Mutual Wine Show, and only R40

Rietvallei Muscadel 2004
Versatile, sweet red wine. Enjoy now as an after-dinner accompaniment to cheese, or can be poured ice-cold over strawberries with freshly-ground black pepper creating an amazing blend of sweet/spicy tastes, R40

Springfield Work of Time 2001
Abrie Bruwer does not enter competitions, nor attend wine shows, but his wines sell out year after year based on quality and integrity. If Abrie is not satisfied with the wine, it gets discarded. This aptly-named Bordeaux-style blend could also be called Work of Art. Delicious, but better with food than on its own. R105

And finally,

Any Boplaas Port
From Calitzdorp, the home of SA Port. Boplaas cover just about the whole spectrum of styles of port, with great success. As the saying goes, any PORT in a storm, but if you want to treat yourself, try the Cape Vintage Reserve 2002. Multiple award winning, 5* and about R135, you can drink it over 2/3 nights, if you can resist the temptation to drink it all in one go!

So winter doesn't have to be all bad news. Just imagine, if we didn't have winter, we wouldn't appreciate summer so much, and we wouldn't get the chance to enjoy any of the above heart-warming wines!

ENJOY!

Stephen Digby
Manuka @ Southeys