About Vino Obscura
Vino Obscura is the brainchild of an adventurous wine drinker, Siegfried Schäfer. Born and raised in the Boland he’s been intent on things vinous since a young age.
During his student years at Stellenbosch University, he compiled several Diners Club-award-winning wine lists. “I always found it strange,” he says “that I only ever sold two bottles of Overgaauw Sylvaner. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try the country’s only Sylvaner?”
Siegfried readily confesses that he’s a bit contrarian and loves an underdog. “I question the perceived wisdom. Why should I have Sauvignon Blanc with salad? I immediately wonder what Sauvignon Gris would taste like with salad. And then my mind goes to where can I get Sauvignon Gris from? It’s a bit of a rabbit hole, but it’s great fun and educational – even when it doesn’t work out!”
Vino Obscura aims to elevate the profile of underdog wines. The forgotten stars, the unknown masterpieces, the wines that have to compete in the ‘other cultivars’ category at wine shows…
Join the journey to find ‘Wines beyond the Usual’. (Remember to pack your sense of humour!)
Samples Policy
I only post about wines I’ve tasted myself and do so in my spare time. Generally, I buy the wines myself, but I will also post about wines sent to me. In such a case I will state in the post that a sample bottle was supplied. Do note though that sending me a sample does not guarantee a speedy post or indeed any post at all. I’ll get around to it when I get around to it!
Obscurity
Up north, down under in Queensland they define their ‘rare birds’ varietals as ones of which there are fewer than 1000 hectares planted. That pretty much works for me! I do also consider Cabernet Franc and Semillon as obscure even though they technically fall foul of the 1000 hectares criterion. Blends containing more than 50% obscure varietals also make the cut. From time to time I may also post something on a wine made in an unusual way – irrespective of whether the varietal is obscure or not.