Testalonga Baby Bandito Follow Your Dreams wine is an exquisite South African natural Carignan, produced by the celebrated winemaker, Craig Hawkins. This artisan crafted, low-intervention wine boasts clean, red fruit flavours, subtle smoke hints and a lovely texture on the palate. Sustainably farmed and fermented using indigenous yeasts, it showcases raw wine-making prowess, expressing pure fruit concentration and impressive freshness. This low-alcohol wine serves as an inviting, approachable introduction to the realm of natural wines, embodying a whimsical spirit that’s mirrored in its playful label. It's an outstanding choice for those seeking an organic, vegan-friendly option that remains adventurous, yet beautifully balanced.

About the Winery

Nestled in the beautiful folds of South Africa's Swartland region lies the enchanting Testalonga winery. Driven by a simple yet vibrant philosophy of 'minimal intervention, maximum care', this vineyard has carved a unique place in the global wine industry. The roots of Testalonga, both metaphorically and physically, are the brainchild of artisanal winemaker Craig Hawkins.

Hawkins’ seven-year tenure in Eben Sadie’s cellar, renowned for producing South Africa's bravest and most innovative wines, fuelled his desire to revive long-forgotten old bush vines. His determination saw the birth of Testalonga, founded in 2008 with a clear vision of crafting authentic wines true to their terroir.

The winery, with its meticulously cared-for vineyards, hosts a variety of grapes, including Chenin Blanc, Carignan and Grenache. The unique microclimate of the region, paired with organic farming methods, provides the ideal conditions for these bush vines to produce high-quality grapes, which are then meticulously transformed into exceptional wines.

Testalonga’s commitment to environmental sustainability is pivotal in their wine-making process, championed via a hands-off approach. Besides forgoing commercial yeasts and bacteria, they shun the use of chemicals and additives, resorting purely to natural resources and intuitive wine-making techniques.

The resulting wines, bottled under two labels - El Bandito and Baby Bandito, exemplify Testalonga’s unflinching commitment to authenticity. These offerings are characterised by their vibrant fruit tones and distinct earthy nuances, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

In recognition of their dedication to crafting wine in its purest form, Testalonga has received numerous accolades and widespread recognition by connoisseurs, sommeliers and critics worldwide. As a testament to their success, its wines sell out almost preemptively each year.

Over the years, Testalonga has developed a reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging wine conventions. The winery's contributions go beyond commercial prospects; it signifies a reconnection with the earth, a celebration of nature's bounty and a wholehearted commitment to innovation. This establishment is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast, as much for its fantastic wines as for its exceptional winemaking ethos!

Find out more