Radley & Finch

Radley & Finch is a range of South African wines made by winemaker Thinus Kruger and importer Pascal Schildt. The name comes from To Kill a Mockingbird. But where the book is serious, these wines are meant to be light-hearted and fun. The motto says it all: optimism beats “the pants off” pessimism.

The idea is simple. Wine can feel full of snobbery and pretense, and Radley & Finch wants to remind people what it’s really about: good people and good times. These are wines for everyday drinking, whether at a pool party or a beach bonfire. They also give new and experienced wine drinkers an easy way into South African wine.

Each wine in the range focuses on a single grape, chosen from the varieties South Africans enjoy most. The lineup includes Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, a Cinsault Rosé, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. Each carries its own playful name, such as The Prof’s Pinotage and the Lazy Hare Shiraz.
The grapes come from sustainable farms near the Voor-Paardeberg Mountain, about an hour north of Cape Town, with a smaller share from Stellenbosch. The vineyards sit on the mountain’s slopes in well-drained soils where the vines root deeply. In the cellar, the focus is on fresh fruit and balance, and most wines see little or no oak.