Some wines are born of place. Others are born of a journey. Paserene Wines is both.
Founded in 2013 by third-generation winemaker Martin Smith and businessman Ndavhe Mareda, Paserene represents the culmination of a remarkable global apprenticeship. From a cork factory in Portugal to flying vintages across America, five years at Newton Winery in Saint Helena, and six years at Vilafonté alongside Dr. Phil Freese and Zelma Long, Martin’s path was always leading back to the Cape.
Franschhoek became home. And Paserene became the expression of two lifelong passions: a finely etched Chardonnay and a Cabernet-led, Bordeaux-inspired red of structure and poise.
The name derives from Passeriformes, travelling birds such as swifts and swallows, a tribute to Martin’s years abroad and his eventual return. That sense of movement, artistry and intention flows through every detail. Each label, created in collaboration with leading South African artists, tells a story of wine, place and the man behind it.
These are wines of clarity and confidence, shaped by world-class experience, rooted in Franschhoek soil, and crafted with the conviction of someone who has seen the world and chosen home.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the valley, 50% of profits from these bottles will continue to support the Franschhoek fire recovery efforts, but today, the spotlight is firmly on the glass.
#FranschhoekRising
Paserene
The Wines
On the nose, our Union opens with complex aromas of blueberries, violets, smoke, and some mouthwatering bacon fat. It is floral, smoky, and elegant with an excellent definition of aromas. The palate introduces juicy notes of blackberries, black plum, tangy raspberry, and red fruits. There is a hint of succulent mulberry followed by slightly bitter iodine and sweet cola notes. Charcoal and bacon flavours bring a rounded savoury note to this rich wine, making it able to stand up to strong flavours for pairings. This luxury red wine showcases the hardy character of the Tulbagh terroir, and the first aromatic sip will transport you to this tranquil town.
Dark is a combination of grapes from Tulbagh, grown on clay soils and Franschhoek, grown on sand. Dark is an appealing ruby red in colour. The nose is gentle, yet defiant and allows you to experience warm and broody aromas of black currant, cherries and all-spice, secondary to that brown sugar, leather, tobacco and cola with some dried flowers and liquorice.
With a deep red and youthful violet rim. The nose explodes with rich aromas of black currants, dark cherry preserves, and a hint of blueberries. Intriguing notes of fynbos and graphite add an unexpected layer of complexity. On palate, the oak shines through seamlessly, adding elegance and structure. Supple tannins and gentle acidity create a luxurious mouthfeel, allowing the flavours to linger on the finish with impressive length.
These wines are made from different elements from each of our vineyards to make up a series of wines that best represent our Terroir. All the grapes are sourced from our farms in Franschhoek, Tulbagh and Elgin. The Chardonnay shows a bright green/gold colour with a bright core, with primary nose aromas of citrus blossom, neroli and yellow peaches. Secondary to that is a savoury sea-spray, almost chalk-like, aroma harnessed with a gentle oak inclusion. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with a soft mouthfeel and a crisp acidity that give the wine great length.
Join us for the first of our 2026 monthly tasting evenings, where you can sip and swirl your way through a variety of exquisite wines.
Get ready to sip and savour six exquisite wines on February 27, 2026 at 6:30pm at Museum Wines. For our first tasting of the year we are heading to the Swartland region of South Africa, tasting three white and three red wines from fabulous producers Natte Valleij, Swerwer, City on a Hill and De Kleine Wijn Koop. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for you. We have free parking. See you there! 18+
Price: £15
