Baby Bandito “Stay Brave” by Testalonga

Baby Bandito “Stay Brave” 2024 by Testalonga

Location: Swartland, South Africa
Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Style: Skin-Contact / Orange | Naturally Made | Unfined & Unfiltered

medium-bodied but light on its feet  | apple, lemon, orange | hint of ginger and honey

Winemaker(s): Craig & Carla Hawkins — pioneers of the Swartland natural-wine movement, working exclusively with organic, dry-farmed bush vines and wild ferments. The Baby Bandito range showcases a playful, accessible side of Testalonga.

Winemaking: Organic, dry-farmed Chenin; hand-harvested; 12 days of skin contact; wild fermentation; minimal sulphur; no additives; unfined and unfiltered. Effectively a light, entry-level orange wine.

Name Meaning: “Stay Brave” is part of the Baby Bandito series — each cuvée named like a motivational message, paired with graffiti-inspired labels that reflect the project’s youthful energy.

Interesting Fact: Grown on granite and sandstone soils — a classic Swartland combination that brings tension, freshness and savoury depth.

Serve With: Roasted root veg, pumpkin curry, Middle Eastern mezze, grilled chicken, lamb koftas or cheeses with enough heft for tannin (Comté, aged Gouda, Taleggio).

When to drink at Christmas: As a proper good alternative with Turkey