Cape Route is the creation of Ernst Storm, a winemaker who splits his time between Santa Barbara and his homeland in South Africa. Born in Hermanus, near Cape Town in the famed Walker Bay appellation, Ernst landed in California in 2003 and has since honed a mix of modern techniques alongside the hand crafted methods of the Cape. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy-drinking red with notes of black currant and dark plum alongside smoked meat and spice. Serving this wine at your next pasta night is a no-brainer. Just like the meandering, scenic road it’s named for — a stretch of the longest wine route on Earth — Cape Route is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets.