Before Hella Chenin: An Evening with Donovan Rall - 5/12/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Donovan Rall to Flatiron for a seminar that's been a long time coming—his very first visit to California. This is a rare opportunity to meet one of the most important voices in South African wine today and taste through some of the country's most coveted bottlings.

On Tuesday, May 12th at 5pm, Donovan will guide us through a remarkable lineup of wines in an intimate 16-guest setting. For those who've been following South Africa's wine renaissance, this is essential.

Why Donovan Rall matters: Named 2025 Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin MW and a key member of the prestigious Cape Winemaker's Guild, Donovan has built his reputation on one of the most demanding disciplines in wine—precision blending. He produces fewer than 1,000 cases per year, yet sources from over 30 vineyards across the Western Cape. Each harvest, he manages nearly 60 separate fermentations and aging lots. It's painstaking work that demands equal parts technical skill and artistic vision.

The result? Some of South Africa's most exciting, sought-after, and notoriously hard-to-find Chenin Blanc and Syrah.

Part of a landmark week for Chenin Blanc: This seminar is happening in the lead-up to Hella Chenin Wine Fest (May 16th at Hammerling Wines in Berkeley), the Bay Area's premier celebration of the grape, featuring 100 Chenin Blancs from around the world. Donovan's visit is part of a broader moment for Chenin Blanc on the West Coast—and our seminar offers the chance to go deep with one of its most celebrated practitioners in an intimate setting before the festival weekend.

This seminar is made possible through Peter Andrews of Culture Wine Co., the only U.S. importer, wholesaler, and club focused exclusively on South African wine and a co-founder of Hella Chenin. Peter's championing of producers like Donovan has fundamentally changed the conversation about South African wine in America.

What you'll taste:

• 2021 Genevieve Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs, Bot River
• 2024 Rall Wines White Blend, Cape Coastal Region
• 2024 Rall Wines AVA Chenin Blanc, Swartland (just 20 cases imported!)
• 2024 Rall Wines NOA Chenin Blanc, Swartland (just 20 cases imported!)
• 2023 Rall Wines Red Blend, Swartland

What we'll explore:

• Donovan's approach to precision blending across 30+ vineyard sources
• What makes Swartland Chenin Blanc world-class
• The art of working with 60+ separate fermentation lots
• South Africa's wine renaissance and where it's heading
• Why these wines are commanding attention from collectors globally

Seating is limited to 16 guests. Tickets are $45 and include the full guided tasting.

Whether you're attending Hella Chenin that weekend or simply want a rare opportunity to meet one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers, this seminar promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Learn more about Hella Chenin Wine Fest: hellacheninwinefest.com