Testalonga El Bandito Monkey Gone to Heaven is a sublime biodynamic South African wine. Made from Chenin Blanc grapes, it's delightfully unique and expressive. It strikes a perfect balance of minerality and fruity freshness, featuring mouth-watering notes of citruses, apricots, and quince. It's similar to a golden apple in crispness, with a touch of nuttiness. This wine is marked by its soft, languid texture that smoothly makes its way along your palate. El Bandito Monkey Gone to Heaven is a real treat for connoisseurs seeking an unconventional and remarkably textured wine, bearing testament to the craftsmanship of winemaker Craig Hawkins.

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