Duncan Savage moves UK distribution to Liberty Wines

By James Lawrence

Published: 16 October, 2026

Liberty Wines has welcomed Savage Wines, bringing the trailblazing Cape winery founded by Duncan Savage into its South African portfolio.

The move sees the London-based importer take over UK representation from Swig, which Savage credited for 23 years of work and collaboration.

Based at an urban winery in Salt River, Cape Town, the producer sources fruit from cooler coastal and high-altitude vineyards across the Western Cape, with an emphasis on site expression and freshness.

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The range now available through Liberty covers eight wines, including a Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, and a blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional.

“The layered and textured Salt River Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from five vineyards across Stellenbosch: a 38-year-old, bush-vine vineyard on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills forms the core of the blend, while coastal sites and vineyards on decomposed granite in the Polkadraai Hills lend tension and a fine backbone of acidity,” said a representative from Liberty Wines.

Meanwhile, Savage's Never Been Asked to Dance Chenin Blanc is sourced from a 1956 planting of low-yielding bush vines on granitic soils, while Follow the Line is “an aromatic and bright expression of Cinsault from 44-year-old dry-farmed vines exposed to the prevailing southeasterly winds of the Atlantic.” The fruit is sourced from “bush vines planted at over 700 metres above sea level in the Piekenierskloof”, according to Liberty.

"Duncan Savage's wines are among the most sought-after in South Africa and we are thrilled to have the full range of his 2025 vintage releases now in stock,’ said senior buyer Daisy Gatt.

“From the Salt River Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc – an excellent introduction to the Savage style and a wine that consistently overdelivers – through to his single-vineyard Chenin Blanc, Grenache and Syrah/Touriga Nacional made in small quantities, Duncan's wines showcase the extraordinary diversity and true sense of place offered by South Africa's best.”

Savage added: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the team at Swig for all their great work and friendship over the last 23 years. We look forward to building on this in partnership with Liberty Wines.”

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