Explore the soul of South African wine with one of its true legends.
We’re thrilled to welcome Ken Forrester — winemaker, restaurateur, storyteller, and all-around South African icon — for a one-night-only tasting at Loki Birmingham. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chenin,” Ken has spent over three decades championing South Africa’s most misunderstood grape and proving just how expressive, age-worthy, and downright delicious Chenin Blanc can be.
From humble beginnings on a 17th‑century farm at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains, Ken has become one of the country’s most respected winemakers. He co-founded the Chenin Blanc Association in 1998 and has earned hundreds of international awards for his bold, character-driven wines.
But his talents go far beyond Chenin. From crisp sparkling wines to Rhône-style reds, Ken’s range is generous, precise, and packed with personality. He also has that rare gift for making complex ideas simple — whether it’s fermentation science or flavour structure — all delivered with humour and charm.
Whether you’re deep into wine or just love hearing from people who really know their stuff, this will be a memorable evening.
What to Expect
- Taste six standout wines from Ken Forrester’s range — including Chenin Blanc, Rhône-style blends, and sparkling
- Learn why Ken is known as “Mr. Chenin” and how he helped put Stellenbosch on the global wine map
- Explore how old vines, coastal breezes, and hand-farming shape flavour and texture
- Understand how low yields and careful barrel ageing create complexity and balance
- Discover sustainable winemaking in practice — no herbicides, minimal intervention, total respect for the land
- Enjoy Ken’s down-to-earth, engaging explanations — no jargon, just good stories and wine passion
Wines on tasting
- Sparklehorse: a traditional-method sparkling wine with fine bubbles and creamy texture
- Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc: made from 40+ year-old bush vines
- FMC: the iconic flagship — rich, textured, and cellar-worthy
- Pat’s Garden Sauvignon Blanc: zesty, herbal, and full of energy
- Renegade: a bold red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache
- The Gypsy: Ken’s most refined Rhône-style red—deep, elegant and powerful
Who Is This For?
- Fans of South African wine or anyone curious to try it
- Chenin Blanc lovers (or sceptics—you might be converted!)
- Wine drinkers who want to go beyond tasting notes and hear the story behind the bottle
- Anyone who enjoys an engaging, down-to-earth evening of learning
No prior wine knowledge required—just curiosity, an open mind, and a clean glass.
About Ken Forrester Wines
Ken Forrester has become one of the most respected names in South African wine, with a reputation for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that have earned international acclaim. Since taking over an abandoned Stellenbosch vineyard in the early 1990s, Ken has focused on low-intervention winemaking, sustainable practices, and coaxing the best possible quality from old vines—especially Chenin Blanc. His wines are consistently featured in Top 100 lists and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.
From Sparklehorse to FMC, his range reflects both deep heritage and modern innovation, and his commitment to quality is matched only by his passion for sharing it. If you want to understand why South Africa is one of the most exciting wine countries today—this is the place to start.