As one of South Africa's leading ambassadors and one of the most recognizable faces in the world of sport, it is befitting that Ernie chose Stellenbosch to produce his wines. In 1999 the concept of Ernie Els Wines was born and with the help of award-winning winemaker Louis Strydom they produced the maiden 2000 vintage of Ernie Els - a 'classic' Bordeaux blend. The intention from the outset was to focus on delivering a quality product that could hold its own in the company of the world's finest wines.

The 2017 Big Easy Red Blend is arguably the most serious and riveting vintage yet. The dry vintage was conducive to producing a superbly-concentrated, beguiling wine that dazzles the senses. Complexity is revealed with elegantly ripe blackberry, liquorice, fine Chinese spice and smoked herbs. A majority of Shiraz cloaks the palate with fruit-laden tannins, covered in melted milk chocolate and Morello cherries. It shows solid grip, suggesting up to a decade of maturation.