Ernie Els

South Africa

Ernie Els needs little introduction on the fairway, but his wine project is the real deal too. Founded in 1999 on the slopes of the Helderberg, the estate sits in what locals call Stellenbosch's Golden Triangle, prime Cabernet country. From the start, Ernie brought in Louis Strydom as cellar master, one of the Cape's most respected red-wine makers, to build a portfolio that began with serious Bordeaux-style blends and has since grown to include the more approachable Big Easy range. The name is a nod to Ernie's famously fluid golf swing, the nickname that followed him around the PGA tour. The philosophy: same Stellenbosch craftsmanship, friendlier price, everyday drinking.