Fairview: The Pioneer of Innovation and the Goat Tower
Located on the slopes of Paarl Mountain in South Africa, Fairview is more than just a winery—it is a sprawling artisanal hub and a cornerstone of the Cape Winelands. Since its acquisition in 1937 by the Back family, and particularly under the visionary leadership of Charles Back II, Fairview has been a relentless engine of innovation, bringing Mediterranean varieties to the Cape and championing social responsibility.
The "Goat Tower" and the Legend of the Roamers
The estate is famous worldwide for its Goat Tower, built in 1981 after Charles Back was inspired by a similar structure in Portugal.
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The "Goats Do Roam" Story: The winery's most famous range was born when Charles’s young son accidentally left the paddock gate open. The goats wandered into the vineyards to sample the ripest berries, inspiring a line of Rhône-style blends that playfully poke fun at the French "Côtes du Rhône" appellation.
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Cheese Mastery: Fairview is as famous for its dairy as its grapes, producing over 50 artisanal cow and goat milk cheeses. The "Master Tasting" in the Beryl Back room (named after Charles's mother) is the gold standard for wine and cheese pairing in the region.
The Wine Portfolio: Diverse and Purpose-Driven
Fairview sources fruit from Paarl, Darling, Swartland, and Piekenierskloof to create a massive variety of styles:
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The Single Vineyard Range: The "pinnacle" wines like The Beacon Shiraz (Swartland) and Eenzaamheid Shiraz (Paarl) showcase specific soil expressions.
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Regional Revivals: A range designed to "re-imagine" Old World styles (like Sangiovese and Tempranillo) with a distinct Cape identity.
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Bloemcool: An experimental label focused on small-batch, natural, and skin-contact wines.
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Goats Do Roam: Accessible, high-quality blends that remain one of South Africa’s most successful exports.
Sustainability and Social Equity
Fairview’s "Fair" name is a double entendre reflecting their commitment to people:
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Fair Valley: In 1997, Charles Back established the Fair Valley Workers Association, enabling his employees to own their own land and produce their own wine brand.
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Biodiversity: The estate is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine (BWI) initiative and is 100% certified by the Integrity & Sustainability seal.
