Safari Winery

Have you ever wanted to go on a safari, but Africa is too far away? How about taking a journey to other parts of the world to try the wines there? Now you can stay right here in Texas and let Safari Winery bring wines from around the world right to you. Safari Winery is located in Fredericksburg and is owned by Clayton Itz with help from the rest of the Itz family.

Safari Winery opened July 2019 with an impressive tasting room. When we visited, a large number of people were enjoying the wines in the tasting room and also outside the winery listening to live music. The schedule for live music can be found on Safari Winery’s website with performances almost every weekend.

Currently the wines being offered are from Chile and South Africa, and they work with two winemakers located in those respective countries. Later this year, wines from Argentina will be available.

Tastings are done while standing at the tasting bar. These are some of the wines that were available when we visited:

• 2017 Syrah – Chile
• 2017 Carménère – Chile
• 2016 Malbec – Chile
• 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – South Africa
• 2017 Pinotage – South Africa
• 2018 Safari White (51% Viognier, 29% Riesling, 20% Sauvignon Blanc) – Chile
• 2018 Chardonnay – Chile
• 2017 Moscato – Chile
• 2018 Safari Sweet Red (80% Ruby Cabernet, 20% Merlot) – South Africa

One of South Africa’s most popular grapes grown, but with the resulting wine having a bad reputation for years, has been Pinotage. I have had several Pinotage wines over the years including a white Pinotage. At the time I tried the white Pinotage, that was the first Pinotage I enjoyed. Since that time, I have had red Pinotage wines that were good, and Safari Winery has another one to add to that list. If you have not had good luck with Pinotage in the past, check out Safari Winery’s version.

When you are done with a tasting and want to relax, head out to the rear of the winery to enjoy the nice view and hopefully listen to live music on the day you visit. You can buy a charcuterie board to satisfy any hunger while you are enjoying your wine.

Before you leave the winery, be sure to take a look at the gift shop complete with clothing, chocolate, cutting boards, wine glasses, and more. The winery does have a wine club, so sign up for that while you are there too.