The Standard (17 -23May 2009)

The Winery

Established in 1965, Mukuyu Winery is owned by Cairns Foods Limited, a wholly Zimbabwean owned beverage and food processing company. Using an ancient Roman design, the winery was built in a series of modules with vaulted solid brick roofing. Mukuyu Winery also boasts a magnificent oak cellar, where guests are invited to relax and savour the wines of Mukuyu. The largest local wine producer in the country, Mukuyu boasts a wide range of wines for all occasions, from classic red wines, to fruity white wines, elegant sparkling wines, to delectable rose's, rich fortified wines, low alcohol and non alcohol well loved fruit coolers under the Mukuyu, Meadows Estate and Carimba brand names. It also caters for the needs of the discerning all cool beverages customer with its premium spirits under brand names Ahoy! and Victoria Gin. The ‘hard’ beverages are ably complimented by a premium quality still water brand – Border Streams alongside a family favorite Sipcool Orange crush and Flavazing syrup cordials.
 
The driving force behind Mukuyu Winery is the continuous quest to cater for the increasing needs of their consumers. For that reason, Cairns Foods Ltd introduced an imported red wine under the brand name "Sabistar Red" in March 2008.
 
The name "Sabistar Red" is derived from an exceptionally rare flower found on African riverbanks. The rarity of this flower lends an element of class to this wine. The brand insignia depicts winery gates with the representation of a grape leaf.  

Sabistar Red is a blend of two high quality grape varieties, Cabernet Franc and Ruby Cabernet grapes. This new red wine fulfils the need of the sophisticated consumer for innovation in the wines category.

A notable taste comment from the winemaker on Sabistar Red:
 
The wine boasts a deep colour, notes of cider, spice, blackberry and black currant fruit with supple tannins. This is a remarkably smooth red wine showing ripe plummy fruit flavours and a persistent after taste.