Upcoming Event

Savage Wines Tasting
University of Toronto Faculty Club
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a special opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Duncan Savage Wines.

Duncan’s journey into wine began at home, sparked by curiosity and a shared passion with his mother:

“After drinking many bottles of very cheap wine with my mates, I watched my mom drinking these glasses of wine. One day, I asked to taste it and it was so much better than what I was used to. That just drew me in.”

From those first sips, Duncan was hooked. What started as a curiosity quickly became an obsession, leading him to explore the world of wine and eventually make his mark as a winemaker. His first major opportunity led him to Cape Point Vineyards where he rose to Chief Winemaker.

After 14 successful years at Cape Point Vineyards, Duncan took a bold leap of faith and started up Savage Wines. Instead of owning vineyards, which is complex in South Africa due to land ownership laws, he built his brand by leasing land and sourcing the best grapes:

“You can’t buy one small parcel; you have to buy the whole property. If I want to own two hectares, I have to buy 450 hectares just to get that one parcel.”

This unconventional approach allowed him to explore diverse terroirs across the Western Cape, working with everything from maritime climates near the coast to high-altitude vineyards in the mountains. His wines reflect this diversity—elegant, vibrant, and distinctly South African.

His mission is clear: to craft wines that not only tell a South African story but also invite drinkers to keep exploring and savoring every glass. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes the importance of the site and the fruit it delivers.

His commitment to showcasing the diverse terroirs of the Western Cape, from coastal vineyards to high-altitude slopes, is helping redefine South African wine on the global stage.

The Wines

• Salt River Sauvignon Blanc – 2024
• White – 2017
• Never Been Asked to Dance – 2022
• Follow The Line – 2016
• Follow The Line – 2017
• Thief In The Night – 2017
• Red – 2016
• Red – 2015
• Are We There Yet – 2022
• Girl Next Door Syrah – 2024

Tasting Menu

• First Plate: Roasted Beet Carpaccio
• Second Plate: Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Striploin

When & Where

• Members: $115
• Guests: $130

Interac payment information will reserve your place at the event. You may also use a cheque payable to South African Wine Society with the form below.

Your booking or cancellation MUST be received by Tuesday, May 12.