Celebrate Fathers Day with Chenin Blanc & Dubai Duty Free

July brings with it two wonderful reasons to pop a bottle of wine, Father’s Day and International Chenin Blanc Day, so why not celebrate both with a grape that’s as versatile and full of character as dad himself?

Here are some of The Tasting Class picks from Dubai Duty Free, exploring a trio of South African Chenin Blancs that showcase how dynamic this grape can be. Though French in origin, Chenin Blanc has truly flourished in South Africa. It was the first grape variety that Europeans planted there, and today it’s used to craft a wide range of wine styles from bright and zesty, rich and complex, and luscously sweet. Let’s explore three styles that match three types of wine-loving dads.

1. The Fresh & Fruity Dad

Wine: Jonty’s Ducks Pekin White – 62 AED

For the dad who enjoys something vibrant and easy-going by the pool, or a pre-dinner glass that’s just bursting with fruit, the Jonty’s Ducks Pekin White is a winner.

This wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, and Sémillon. Roussanne and Viognier are known for their aromatic richness and fuller body, but they can be a bit low in acidity. That’s where Chenin comes in! Its bright, tangy character lifts the wine, bringing a beautiful balance between fruity roundness and refreshing zip. It’s also a fantastic value, offering an aperitif style with a bit more flavour oomph.

2. Discerning Dad – 429 AED

Wine: Sadie Family Palladius White Blend

This wine ticks the box for two types of dads. If your dad is a true oenophile and loves all the glorious geeky nuance that a wine can have, or if your dad is very discerning and only the best will do, the Sadie family is South African wine royalty. Palladius is one of their flagship wines. Based in the Swartland, a rugged region known for its dry-farmed old vines and experimental winemakers, Eben Sadie has been pivotal in putting this area on the map.

Palladius is a blend of 12 different white varieties, with Chenin Blanc leading the charge. It’s aged in a mix of amphorae and old barrels, allowing the wine to evolve and develop layers of texture and flavour over time. The result? A wine that’s structured, and full of personality. Expect wild herbs, stone fruit, a bit of spice—and a whole lot of conversation.

3. The Bring on Oak Dad!

Wine: Cederberg Five Generations Chenin Blanc

For dads who gravitate toward oaky Chardonnays—those full-bodied whites with toasty vanilla and spice, the Cederberg Five Generations Chenin Blanc delivers that style, but with Chenin’s own spin.

This wine is barrel-fermented and aged, so you get gorgeous notes of baking spice, toasted nuts, and sweetly spiced oak, but it never loses its sense of elegance and balance. The fruit still shines through, and the acidity keeps everything fresh and lively.

So, which Chenin fits your dad? Whether dad is a laid-back sipper, a wine adventurer, or a lover of the classics, Chenin Blanc offers something for everyone, especially when it comes from the innovative, quality-driven producers of South Africa.

You can find all of these wines at Dubai Duty Free. So this Father’s Day (and International Chenin Blanc Day), skip the socks and raise a glass of something truly special instead.