Algarve Wine Lovers in Vilamoura Celebrate Meerlust’s Rubicon and Cape Classics

A burst of Cape sunlight briefly lit up Vilamoura when one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Meerlust, uncorked its flagship reds for a packed house of Algarve Wine Society members. In less than two hours, local enthusiasts moved from crisp Chardonnay to velvet-textured Rubicon, all under the relaxed guidance of Cellar Master Wim Truter. The evening not only showcased six bottles rarely poured side-by-side in Portugal but also hinted at a growing curiosity for vinhos do Novo Mundo among Algarve residents.

Quick Sip: What Stood Out

• Six Meerlust labels tasted, spanning white, rosé-style and heavyweight reds.

• Wim Truter in person, answering questions on terroir and barrel regimes.

• Pairings designed by chef Fabienne at La Villa, Vilamoura.

• The 2022 Rubicon confirmed its cult reputation—supple now, built to age.

Why the Algarve Is Leaning South(ern Hemisphere)

Portuguese drinkers are famously loyal to native regions like Douro and Alentejo, yet the surge in tourism is widening palates. Importers report a double-digit rise in demand for New World wines over the past two years, and evenings such as this one tap into that trend. Loulé-based distributor Prime Wine has quietly assembled a portfolio that mixes Portuguese boutique producers with out-of-the-ordinary bottles from Stellenbosch and beyond, giving restaurants a fresh story to tell visiting diners.

Meet Meerlust: Three Centuries in a Glass

Founded in 1756, the estate sits just 5 km from False Bay, where cool sea breezes temper the Cape’s summer heat. That climate twist explains why the Pinot Noir served in Vilamoura carried a surprisingly Burgundian perfume, while the Cabernet Sauvignon kept precise acidity. The Myburgh family still owns the property, and Truter—a winemaker who trained in France before returning home—described his mandate as “honouring history while chasing energy in every vintage.”

Inside the Tasting Room

Bang-bang shrimp, chicken-and-bacon skewers and earthy mushrooms kicked off proceedings alongside a barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Several members stuck with that white through the meal as temperatures hovered around 26 °C. Next up, a youthful Meerlust Red found harmony with French-style steak tartare. The crescendo featured a rich lamb stew joined by Cabernet and the celebrated Rubicon, followed by chocolate crêpes matched with silky Merlot—a pairing that left more than one diner negotiating bottle orders on the spot.

Local Impact—and a Bit of Numbers

The Algarve drinks around 2 M L of certified regional wine annually, but imports still claim roughly 1 in 5 restaurant listings in Vilamoura’s marina district. Events such as this one help cement the Algarve Wine Society’s role as a bridge between Portuguese producers and global classics. Society chairpersons confirm that every seat—roughly 60—sold out within 48 hours, underscoring the appetite for curated experiences over simple walk-around fairs.

What’s Next for Prime Wine and Friends?

While no 2026 calendar has been published yet, Prime Wine hinted at a vertical Rubicon retrospective and a late-summer showcase focused on cool-climate South African whites. Expect announcements to arrive first through the distributor’s newsletter and the Algarve Wine Society’s private WhatsApp group, a channel that now counts 400+ members.

Key Takeaways for Your Cellar

Rubicon 2022: Drink from 2028, or decant now for 2 h to reveal cassis and cedar.

Chardonnay 2023: Fresh lime, subtle toast—perfect for grilled dourada.

Meerlust Red 2021: A budget-friendly blend that punches above €18.

For Algarve residents who missed the October gathering, a limited consignment of all six wines is available via Prime Wine Loulé, with discounted mixed cases through the end of the month. Given the buzz in Vilamoura, those bottles may disappear faster than a summer sunset over Praia da Falésia.