Award-wining South African wine label Sandstone has cultivated a bespoke selection of fine wines exclusive to Villa Resorts properties in the Maldives islands. The concept behind the highly acclaimed label celebrates the merging of two distinct landscapes, from the stony mountains of the Cape’s Vineyards to the exotic sandy shores of the Maldives.

South Africa is widely recognized for its unique variations in topography and geology of the coastal wine regions which are renowned for producing wines of exceptional quality and diversity. The Sandstone range has been grown and produced by small family-owned wine producers in South Africa’s cooler coastal regions of Elgin and Constantia. Truly reflecting the terroir of the Cape vineyards, Sandstone offers quality wines with an individual profile, innovative taste and style which in turn creates an authentic sense of place and heritage – designed to be savored on the pearl white shores of the Maldives.

The core philosophy of the Sandstone label is to provide fresh, clean and delicate wines that refresh the palate and are impeccably tailored to the tropical archipelago. In addition, enhancing an authentic and international culinary experience that features local ingredients such as fresh seafood and vegetables naturally grown in the islands botanical gardens, complemented by hand-picked fine wines.

Experienced German wine sommelier, Kent Scheermeyer, has lived in Cape Town for the past 25 years, developing his expertise and knowledge in the wine industry. This year he curated the bespoke Sandstone label after recognizing an opportunity for Villa Resorts to introduce fresher wines with optimal health and to enhance and redesign a sensational wine experience for guests.

Crafted exclusively for Villa Resorts, the collection comprises of two whites, a sauvignon blanc and chardonnay; two reds, a pinot noir and merlot; as well as a rosé. The collection also includes a Méthode Cap Classique and a rosé sparkling wine.

Sandstone accentuates a bespoke approach for Villa Resorts, introducing the innovative concept of Cape Vineyard to table in a remarkably short time. The ability to produce a 2022 vintage Sauvignon Blanc from grapes which were hanging in the vineyard a mere 11 months ago, ensures an optimal quality and incredible freshness, which is tough to find in the Maldives.

Moreover, Kent highlights the sparkling wines have been created using the traditional hand-made Champagne processes which involves a second bottle fermentation and sees the sparkling wines develop over a period of two years. This real method produces a superior taste and unparalleled quality.

Commenting on the bespoke collection for Villa Resorts, Kent said:

“After visiting the Villa Resorts, I noticed the wine lists were missing freshness, pronounced flavors and a signature style which is imperative for a wine list to reflect the environment, the food and the climate. This was predominantly due to the lack of availability of fresh quality wines in the Maldives.

Together with the Villa team, we began working on enhancing the dining experience for guests to really immerse themselves in unforgettable culinary journeys. Introducing a refined, balance and more simple wine list that is categorically organized with food pairing ideas to suit the style of wine was important to establish clarity for guests while presenting an opportunity for them to gain further knowledge on wine culture and discover recommended wines that pair effortlessly with the traditional dishes on the menus.

With my passion in wine making, my main priority is the freshness and age of the wines with the objective to deliver optimum quality and exceptional flavors straight from the Cape Vineyards to the Maldives islands”

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