Alex Dale: From Burgundy Roots to a Belief in South African Wine
First published by Ilkka Sirén - BottleScouts.com (translated from Finnish)
May 7, 2026
Amidst the stone houses of Beaune, wine producer Alex Dale learned at a young age that wine isn't made in the cellar, but in the vineyard. "In France, there isn't even a word for 'winemaker.' For 11 months of the year, you tend the vineyard, and for three weeks, you make wine," Dale states.
From the UK via Burgundy to South Africa
This philosophy has followed him throughout his life—including to South Africa, where British-born, Burgundy-raised Dale became a pioneer of the new South African wine culture. Today, his winery, Radford Dale, is known for fresh, understated wines that for years stood in contrast to international fashion trends. Now, the world has finally moved in his direction.
"For 25 years, people thought we were crazy. Now, suddenly, everyone wants lighter, fresher wines," Dale laughs.
Though British, Dale's relationship with France began in childhood, spending holidays in the countryside. In Beaune, he quickly became part of the local wine community, completing his first harvest at age 15 and later running his parents' pub and wine bar, Pickwick’s.
Pickwick’s became a local hub for growers and young winemakers. "Back then, Burgundy wasn't what it is today. You actually had to sell the wines. Doors didn't open just because the label said 'Bourgogne,'" Dale recalls.
Imports and Winemaking
In the late 1980s, a South African acquaintance suggested he visit the country during its final years of apartheid. Despite the closed industry, Dale saw immediate potential in the geology and climate.
The decisive moment came in April 1994, with the election of Nelson Mandela. "That day, I resigned from my job in Burgundy," Dale says. He moved to help build the new South African wine culture, even naming his Pinot Noir "Freedom" as a tribute to Mandela.
The Radford Dale Style
At the turn of the millennium, while many South African wines mimicked the heavy, high-alcohol style of California and Australia, Dale focused on moderate alcohol, natural acidity, and minimal manipulation. His wines average about 12.7% alcohol, which is highly unusual for the region.
While critics like Robert Parker once gave his wines low scores (which Dale used as a marketing tool to sell out), others like Decanter praised them as among the country’s best.
Radford Dale’s key grape has long been Chenin Blanc, but Dale has become a champion for Gamay. He spent years collecting cuttings to plant a single hectare in the Polkadraai Hills. He views Gamay as the future of South African wine, building his own "Cru" system modelled after Beaujolais.
His Own Vineyard: Elgin
In 2021, Dale purchased an organic farm in Elgin, a cool-climate region. He replaced Sauvignon Blanc with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay. The 2026 harvest produced what he believes is the first certified organic Gamay in South Africa.
Today, Radford Dale employs about 30 people. Dale is also founding Organic Wines South Africa to promote organic farming in a country where only about 1% of vineyards are certified.
Reflecting on his career, Dale recalls advice from his godfather: "Do everything with more energy than anyone else. And never do anything that feels uncomfortable, as it only leads to compromises you won't like".
