The Story Teller
Entrepreneur, explorer, humanitarian, and visionary. Peter Clarke wears many hats, but he’s perhaps most loved as a Master Story Teller. Peter’s stories are more than words – they reflect a life lived boldly, full of adventure, fun, curiosity, and discovery.
Our Story Teller range is a homage to the collection of awe-inspiring stories he gathered during his decades of travels in the Indian Ocean Islands. These wines celebrate the wonder, warmth, and adventure that Peter evokes through his tales; a toast to life’s journeys and stories worth sharing.
Peter Clarke
Peter Clarke
The Story Teller
Entrepreneur, explorer, humanitarian, and visionary. Peter Clarke wears many hats, but he’s perhaps most loved as a Master Story Teller. Peter’s stories are more than words – they reflect a life lived boldly, full of adventure, fun, curiosity, and discovery.
Our Story Teller range is a homage to the collection of awe-inspiring stories he gathered during his decades of travels in the Indian Ocean Islands.
These wines celebrate the wonder, warmth, and adventure that Peter evokes through his tales; a toast to life’s journeys and stories worth sharing.
Choose a Story
The Story Teller Collection is inspired by the tapestry of Indian Ocean island tales and legends. They are fables and reflections that are whimsical and playful, but at the same time teach us the timeless lessons and deep truths that lie at the heart of everything. Savour four distinctively African stories brought to life for you, rooted in the ancient soils of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and crafted by those who believe that every wine should have its own story to tell.
Story Teller Sauvignon Blanc 2025
R150
The Crab & The Heron – A Tale of Cleverness & Caution
In Mauritius, a sly heron, Sirandann, crafted a sneaky story to trick Krabie the crab, but didn’t bargain for the clever sea creature.
Pour a glass of this zesty Sauvignon Blanc, alive with tropical fruit, floral notes and a streak of cool-climate minerality.
These vineyards, located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge within the Walker Bay appellation, are situated in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The region experiences a temperate maritime climate, where parallel mountain ranges direct southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer months. These winds contribute to the frequent presence of sea mists and overcast conditions, promoting more consistent temperatures throughout the valley. The area maintains an average temperature of 19°C, with an annual rainfall of approximately 750mm.
Vines/ha: 3055
Clones
159C; 316G
108C; 7A; 108B; 317E; 110
Trellis system: 7 wire Perold
Row direction: E-W
Soil: Argillaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld Series
ABV%: 13,28%
Residual sugar: 2,4g/l
Total Acidity: 6,6g/l
Volatile acidity: 0,25 g/l
pH: 3,14
Appelation: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc 85,5% & Semillon 14,5%
The profile of this wine is based on the vines planted on a variation of Shale and Clay based soils and the wine therefore expresses the broad richness of the clay on the palate and aromatic tropical fruit and mineral character on the nose. The Semillon shows white floral notes and pear drop, with a hint of lemon grass character and a full mineral follow through on the palate.
All grapes were harvested by hand in cool early morning temperatures. The grapes were picked at varying stages of ripeness throughout early to mid-March in order to achieve a more complex wine profile.
These batches of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes are harvested separately and left overnight in a cold-room to ensure that the fruit is cold at the time of destemming. The skins are pressed lightly, and the juice left to settle for a period of 48 hours at 10° C. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are spontaneously fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and maintained at temperatures between 12-18° C until the wine is dry. After fermentation, the wines are racked off the gross lees and blended. Thereafter the wines are left on the fine lees for six months before filtration and bottling occurs.
Story Teller Chardonnay 2024
R250
The Turtle & The Shark – A Tale of Hope and Harmony
The profile of this wine is based on the vines planted on a variation of Shale and Clay-based soils. The wine therefore expresses the zip and texture of the clay on the palate and aromatic lime, white floral and stone fruit, mineral character on the nose. Enjoy now or allow to age for maximum result and enjoyment. This wine combines well with seafood and white meat dishes.
These vineyards, located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge within the Walker Bay appellation, are situated near the Atlantic Ocean. The region experiences a temperate maritime climate, where parallel mountain ranges direct southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer months. These winds contribute to the frequent presence of sea mists and overcast conditions, promoting more consistent temperatures throughout the valley. The area maintains an average temperature of 19°C, with an annual rainfall of approximately 750mm.
Vines/ha: 5 400 – 6000
Age of Vines: 16-17 years
Trellis system: Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)
Row direction: NW, S and SE
Soil: All varieties planted in Arenaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld series
ABV%: 13.32%
Residual sugar: 2,2
Total acidity: 6,7
Volatile acidity: 0,36
pH: 3,17
Appellation: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
The character of this wine is shaped by vines cultivated in a diverse composition of shale and clay-based soils. As a result, the palate exhibits the vibrant tension and texture imparted by the clay, while the nose reveals aromatic notes of lime, white florals, stone fruit, and a distinctive mineral quality. This wine may be enjoyed immediately or cellared to enhance its complexity and depth. It pairs exceptionally well with seafood and white meat dishes.
This Chardonnay blend is sourced from six distinct vineyards, with all grapes meticulously hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours. The harvest took place in six separate batches at the end of February 2024, allowing for greater complexity by capturing both terroir expression and clone variation. Early picked grapes contribute a perfumed green citrus fruit profile, while later harvests add depth and complexity to the palate. To preserve delicate flavours and aromas, the grapes were pressed at low temperatures. The juice was then left to settle for 24 to 36 hours at 10°C before being racked off the lees into carefully selected 500l Burgundian Oak puncheons. The juice was allowed to naturally warm, initiating spontaneous secondary fermentation. Spontaneous fermentation continued until dryness was achieved. The wine was then matured on the gross lees in barrel for nine months with minimal stirring, enhancing texture and depth. One month prior to bottling, the final blend was carefully assembled.
Story Teller Pinot Noir 2023
R250
The Fairy & The Crocodile – A Tale of Eternal Love
This is a refined style of Pinot Noir, showcasing all the allure and subtle nuances that gives this grape such a mystical following.
It is a wine of grace and feminine character, soft and floral on the nose with red cherry and underlying spice. It has a hint of forest floor that reminds of its Burgundian heritage. The palate is both silky and textured, displaying a lovely roundness as well as soft, integrated tannins and length.
The Walker Bay vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge are within proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime climate is more “temperate” in style with the parallel mountain ranges channelling southerly sea breezes through the appellation in summer. These winds bring regular sea mists, overcast conditions, and more even temperatures to the valley. The average temperature is 19°C and the area receives approximately 750mm of rain a year. All grapes were harvested by hand in cool early morning temperatures and left in a cold-room overnight before processing the next day. This specific vineyard is planted with clones 115 and 777, with the blend consisting mostly of 115. We used one of the farm’s highest-altitude, fruit-bearing Pinot blocks, which allows for slow ripening, building a wine with texture without the pressure of fast sugar accumulation.
Vines/ha: 6 596
Clones: 115 & 777
Trellis system: Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)
Row direction: NW-SE
Soil: Argillaceous Shale
ABV%: 13.36%
Residual sugar: 2,3
Total acidity: 6,00
Volatile acidity: 0,73
pH: 3,34
Appellation: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Bright red fruit leaps from the glass, fresh and lively, with a lift of floral perfume. A gentle savoury edge and touch of spice add intrigue, giving the wine an easy rhythm between vibrancy and depth.
On the palate, it’s juicy and energetic, carried by crisp acidity and a smooth texture. Subtle oak frames the wine without fuss, leading to a finish that lingers with earthy, spicy undertones.
Each clone was destemmed into stainless steel fermenters whilst 10% remained as whole clusters. Spontaneous fermentation occurred after a cold soak period of three days. Fermentation lasted around 10 days, during which the must was lightly pumped over the grape skins twice a day. Post-ferment, a further 4-5 days were allowed before the wine was pressed off to barrel for maturation. It spent 10 months in a combination second-fill and third-fill barrels. Thereafter, the wine was removed from barrel and blended in a stainless-steel tank. The wine remained there for two months to homogenise after which it was filtered and bottled.
Story Teller Red Blend 2022
R250
The Up-Side Down Tree of Life – A Tale of Pride and Plenty
This wine expresses the notes of plum, dark cherry, blueberry and mulberry, along with floral and subtle dried herb characters. The fine-grained tannins and an elegant mineral core will see this wine drinking well on release and developing for at least 5 -7 years. Enjoy this wine with red meat, venison and cheese platters.
The varieties are grown in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and Valley, near the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is “temperate”, with southerly maritime winds blowing through the appellation in summer. These winds bring regular sea mists, overcast conditions, and even temperatures to the valley. The average temperature is 19°C and the area receives approximately 750mm of rain a year. This exciting new blend brings together Bordeaux, Rhône, and Italian varieties from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. This wine reflects the balanced and structured contribution of each variety, showcasing the elegance of cool climate wines with restraint and intrigue. The blend is crafted from varietals on the farm, proportionally representing their presence on the farm.
Vines/ha: 5 500
Clones: 115 & 777
Trellis system: Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)
Row direction: N & NW
Soil: All varieties planted in Arenaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld series
ABV%: 13.83%
Residual sugar: 1,9
Total acidity: 0,57
Volatile acidity: 0,73
pH: 3,29
Appellation: Walker Bay
Blend: 62% Syrah; 10% Sangiovese; 9% Cabernet Sauvignon; 8% Cabernet Franc; 8% Merlot; 3% Malbec
From the cool shores of Walker Bay comes a blend that’s all about brightness and finesse. Dark cherry, plum, blueberry, and mulberry mingle with a splash of florals and a hint of dried herbs, giving the wine both charm and complexity.
On the palate, it’s vibrant yet composed—juicy fruit wrapped in fine tannins, carried by a sleek mineral core. Fresh and elegant now, but with the structure to evolve beautifully over the next 5–7 years.
Grape varieties were harvested separately in cool early morning temperatures. After overnight cold storage, they were destemmed into red ferment tanks. A three-day cold maceration followed before spontaneous fermentation under controlled temperatures until dry. The skins were then lightly pressed, and the wine was racked into a selection of French Oak barriques (10% new barrels) for 12 months of aging and maturation. Final blending took place one month before bottling, after which the wine was allowed to develop further in the bottle before release.
Story Teller Syrah 2022
R250
The Giant Tortoise & The Clever Monkey – A Tale of Wit and Wisdom
This elegant expression of cool climate Syrah exhibits soft plum, dark cherry and complex spicy notes of pepper, cinnamon, cloves and crushed coriander.
The palate is full and lush, broad on entry with rich in dark fruits. Enjoy now or for the next 5 years.
The Walker Bay vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge are within proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime climate is more “temperate” in style with the parallel mountain ranges channelling southerly sea breezes through the appellation in summer. These winds bring regular sea mists, overcast conditions, and more even temperatures to the valley. The average temperature is 19°C and the area receives approximately 750mm of rain a year. Two blocks of Syrah were hand-harvested in the early morning, taking advantage of the cool temperatures. The grapes were picked in two separate batches throughout March to achieve a more complex wine profile. One block was managed with more dappled light in the canopy to enhance spicy aromas and a savoury element, while the other had greater sunlight exposure to develop primary fruit weight and intensity.
Vines/ha: 3 215
Clones: 115 & 777
Trellis system: Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)
Row direction: N-NW
Soil: Deep clay soils of the Bokkeveld series
ABV%: 13.70%
Residual sugar: 1,7
Total acidity: 6,2
Volatile acidity: 0,73
pH: 3,25
Appellation: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Blend: 100% Syrah
A true cool-climate Shiraz, this wine brims with dark fruit pastille richness and soft plum, lifted by a touch of aniseed, floral perfume, and savoury spice. The nose is both vibrant and complex, balancing pure fruit with earthy intrigue.
The palate is generous yet refined: lush dark fruits glide across fine tannins, while fresh acidity and a mineral edge bring focus and restraint. Polished and elegant now, with the structure to age gracefully over the next 5 years.
The Walker Bay vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge are within proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime climate is more “temperate” in style with the parallel mountain ranges channelling southerly sea breezes through the appellation in summer. These winds bring regular sea mists, overcast conditions, and more even temperatures to the valley. The average temperature is 19°C and the area receives approximately 750mm of rain a year. Two blocks of Syrah were hand-harvested in the early morning, taking advantage of the cool temperatures. The grapes were picked in two separate batches throughout March to achieve a more complex wine profile. One block was managed with more dappled light in the canopy to enhance spicy aromas and a savoury element, while the other had greater sunlight exposure to develop primary fruit weight and intensity.
