In most places the season is wrapping up, in South Africa it is just beginning and here in Central Texas it never ends: grilling season. Although it may look different, the spirit is the same. And though many of the current celebrity BBQ kings hail from Texas, South Africa boasts the oldest archeological evidence of the pastime. They too know their que.

In celebration of their National Braai Day, Braai4Heritage, on September 24th, Cape Classics sent our Braai packs so that we could sample a bit of their heritage. This included a sample of their Indaba Chenin Blanc, a red blend Indaba Mosaic, and a Peri-Peri rub, Rub with Love.

Although we missed to window to compete in their Instagram challenge, we didn’t miss the chance to pair these wines. We paired the Chenin with Salmon rubbed with love: a spice blend of garlic, ancho, paprika, oregano, lemon, chipotle, cayenne and black pepper. After grilling we finished with a bit of lemon butter. I really liked the rub with the salmon but it had more kick than I anticipated. I would go lighter on it the next time for the kids.

The Chenin was zesty with classic apple, even crabapple notes. Tropical and a bit oily on the finish. The Mosaic was Bing Cherry, pink peppercorn, and baking spices. Medium body, light on tannins, easy to drink. Either would pair well with a variety of grilled fare. Both are priced for parties coming in right around $10.

When they aren’t supporting the South African heritage, Indaba is supporting the future. Indaba is a Zulu word meaning Meeting of the Minds. And what better way to do that than through education. The Indaba Education Fund has been supporting the education of wine-industry related graduate and post-graduate programs since 1998. Now they are adding a program to focus on Early Childhood Development using a Montessori approach. These schools are created to support the education of the farm workers’ children, understanding that the greatest impact they can have on those most in need is through discovery and fostering potential.

For more information on Braai, the wines, and how you can support the education fund, visit Indaba Wines.

{These wines and rub were provided as media samples.  Thoughts and opinions are my own. I received no other compensation.}