Hollywood legend Robert Redford is a devout fan of South African Chenin blanc.

Speaking at a lunch in Franschhoek this past weekend, Redford revealed his delight with local Chenin blanc wines.

“I’ve experienced white wine in the Napa Valley in California, but never something like this,” he declared.

Chenin blanc is South Africa’s most widely cultivated vine. Thanks to an improved image, its popularity has spread throughout the world as consumers have become aware of its versatility and the quality being achieved by local producers.

“Chenin blanc came into my life via my experience in South Africa,” said Redford, a wine enthusiast who owns vineyards California.

“When I came here, I was willing to explore all kinds of new things. When I heard about Chenin blanc I thought I’d never had that and when I had it, I knew I’d found something fresh and exciting – so much so that I’ve now become a fan of Chenin blanc,” said Redford.

He is currently on holiday in South Africa with his wife, Sibylle, and made the comments during a small function hosted by Delhi-based industrialist Analjit Singh.