If you’ve seen the 221 Range on a shelf, a wine list, or a social media feed and wondered where the number comes from, then this is the article for you. Our 221 wines are among South Africa’s most exciting rugby-inspired ranges, and the story behind them is as compelling as the wines themselves.
Where The Number Comes From
The number 221 isn’t a simple marketing invention. It’s a tribute.
Our late Oupa Alvi, the founding figure of the Alvi’s Drift estate, was the 221st player to be capped as a Springbok. And the 221 Range exists to honour that legacy, while bringing the spirit of shared South African moments (think rugby, post-match braais, conversations around the table) into every bottle.
221 Chenin Blanc
Vibrant and fruit-forward with pear, apple, and melon notes. This is South Africa’s most widely planted varietal, expressed in a fresh and easy-drinking style. Perfect before a match or alongside lighter food.
221 Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and expressive with citrus and a gooseberry lift. This lively wine pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, and the kind of half-time debate that gets just a little heated.
221 Pinotage
South Africa’s signature red grape, transformed into a smooth, fruit-forward style. Ripe berry fruit, gentle smokiness, soft tannins – this is our go-to match-day red, made for enjoying by the braai and during the second half.
221 Special Cuvée Red
The most layered wine within the 221 Range. It’s a blended red with depth and complexity, meant for the moments that deserve a little more consideration: the post-match analyses, long evenings, and conversations worth having.
Where The Wines Are Made
All of our 221 wines are produced on the Alvi’s Drift family farm in the Scherpenheuvel wine ward. Located in the southernmost tip of Worcester’s Breede River Valley, the warm days and cool nights create the kind of fruit-driven, well-balanced wines that make the range immediately approachable.
Our 221 Range isn’t just another collection of wines. It’s a story you can taste, a legacy you can share, and a reason to raise your glass, whatever the occasion.
Now that’s a 221 story.
