Reviews

We have a reputation for making exceptionally good wines at exceptionally reasonable prices. Our commitment to giving you the highest quality wines at the most affordable prices has been rewarded with accolades in numerous competitions and reviews.

FRISKY ZEBRAS SEDUCTIVE SHIRAZ

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
South African Women’s Wine Awards

87 points
World Wine Awards (Canada)

Best Buy, 86 points
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Best Value
Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge (France)

Best Wine Label
iYellow Wine Club (Canada)

Juicy Shiraz, 89 points
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of smoked meats, luxardo cherry, and shishito pepper with a chewy, racy, dry full body and a warming, interesting, long finish displaying overtones of wild raspberry, compressed strawberry, cola, and pine with firm, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A juicy Shiraz that brings plenty of red fruits and herbal interest to the table.
– Conscious Wine Reviews (USA)

Great Shiraz, 87 points
This is a great Shiraz for everyday. This medium bodied wine is ripe with sweet black-cherry, raspberry and dark chocolate aromas. A mineral layer on the palate and finish prevents the sweet fruit from running away (always a problem with zebras). It is a food-friendly wine that will fit in perfectly at your next barbeque.
– DC, Tidings Magazine (Canada)

5 Stars, 87 points
Aromas of fruitcake spices, dried fruit and chocolate and earth. The palate is smooth with flavours of dark fruit, spiced dark cocoa and hints of char-grill on the finish.
– Wine Diva & WineScores.ca (Canada)

Attractive and Smooth, 86 points
An attractively chunky red quaffer and more interesting than the critter label would suggest, this is smooth and showing flavours of currant, smoke, chocolate, peppercorn and herbs. Good acid balance, too. Grilled beef or lamb are in order.
– Beppi Crosariol, Globe & Mail (Canada)

Terrific for the Money, 86 points
Dark chocolate and mocha on the nose from oak aging followed by supple black plums aromas and flavours. Terrific for the money.
– Natalie MacLean, wine critic and commentator (Canada)

Excellent Buy
I’m currently drinking the Frisky Zebras, and I have to say it’s a pretty excellent buy!

I was initially attracted to the colourful label, the silly name and the various stickers exclaiming its eco-friendly approach and Free Trade practices. The makers of Frisky Zebras, an enterprise called United Nations of Wine, is a certified “CarbonNeutral” company so they give back more than what they take from the earth. Being decorated in these types of disclaimers and bedecked with stickers regarding awards, I was definitely intrigued. After these types of investments have been made by the business, I figured their Seductive Shiraz was going to be an expensive experiment but what really sold me on their brand was the price point; $8.75! I actually checked the fine print on the LCBO price tag, to compare and make certain that I was holding the bottle to match, but that’s the actual cost. Needless to say, I excitedly headed straight for the cash with the Shiraz in hand and then high-tailed it out of there like I stole something!

After tucking my children in (for the billionth time) this evening and pouring myself a glass, I discovered fruity notes on the nose, coupled with coffee and an anise-like aroma. Loving black licorice, lattes and wine, it was quite like having a glass of all of my favourite things and I was a regular Julie Andrews for a minute, going all Sound of Music soundtrack over this and the prospect of no children being awake for the next three hours. That also happens to be one of my favourite things.

I was definitely correct with the fruity aspect, as the wine tastes of cherries and plums, then a chocolatey sweetness that’s amped a bit with a slight pepper. It’s a medium-bodied red, which you might think wouldn’t be the case due to it’s 14% alcohol content, with a smooth finish that’s not too long but not short enough to disappoint a gal either! I would recommend this for anyone who prefers a sweeter wine, without prominent and lingering tannins.

If you end up trying the wine and dislike it, please be sure to check out the rest of their line and see if there may be something that peaks your interest. This company does charity work, as well as being eco-friendly and worth spending your money on. If you’re going to enjoy wine, you may as well save the planet while you’re gripping and sipping. If you like it, great! I have introduced you to something frisky and enjoyable that isn’t my husband. Some days, I would happily trade one for the other.
– My Domestic Dish

Versatile Casual Drinker
This Shiraz is lighter than most I have tried in the past, and has fruity undertones, soft tannins and is slightly dry. From the taste of this wine you can tell it is very versatile and can be paired well with grilled vegetables or meats, as well as pasta. What I really enjoyed about this wine was that since it was a light bodied wine that had the distinct taste of a Shiraz it would be a great wine to casually drink at social events.
– The Booklet

Well Priced and Food Friendly
Dark, almost purple-blue, this has sweet, candied cherry cordial aromas emanating from the glass. Expect a medium-bodied red with lovely texture and more sweet fruit on the palate and finish, which is warm and moderate in length. Fifty cents from each sale goes to help the Toronto Zoo Foundation. Very well priced and extremely food friendly, try with smoked and barbequed ribs.
– Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com (Canada)

Crisp and Snappy Shiraz
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of honey toasted cranberry bread and chocolate nuts with a dryish light-to-medium body and a breezy craisins and lime marmalade finish. A crisp and snappy shiraz with bright berry fruit.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Excellent Value for Price
The wine has big aromas of blackberries and chocolate. The palate is medium bodied with earthy and blackberry flavours and a big peppery finish. Hot and heavily textured finger foods would work well with this seductive red for holiday entertaining. Try mini garlic toasts topped with roast beef and a dollop of rosemary mayonnaise. With high alcohol (14.5%), this wine stands up to fatty finger foods, as well. Try miniature camembert walnut puff pastries. Or match to bite-size beef and gorgonzola Wellingtons.
– Shari Darling, Eat Drink Magazine (Canada)

Covers a Lot of Bases
Dark ruby black color. Toasty aromas and flavors of chocolate graham cracker, mocha brittle, and chocolate pudding with a soft, soft, dry-yet-fruity body and a tingling, breezy finish with notes of berry, beet, and spice with chewy tannins and light oak. A nice everyday red that will cover a lot of bases.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Soft and Spicy Finish
Frisky Zebras Seductive Shiraz sports that meaty, earthy SA nose that permeates most red wine from the Cape. The entry mixes blueberries, leather and smoky, cigar-flavoured fruit that finishes soft and spicy.
– Anthony Gismondi, Vancouver Sun

Worth Discovering
Frisky Zebras is a brand of South African wines worth discovering. They are easy drinking and ideal for family gatherings and home entertaining. The Seductive Shiraz offers excellent value for the price. The wine has big aromas of blackberries and chocolate. The palate is medium bodied with earthy and blackberry flavours with a big peppery finish. Hot and heavy textured foods would work well with this seductive red.
– Shari Darling, Peterborough Examiner (Canada)

A Treasure to Find
Upon taking the first sip, its rich, fruit forward, flavourful and slight sweetness will envelop you. By the end of the first glass, it’ll get you feeling warm and cozy. This wine is a treasure to find with its low price and bold taste.
– The Lace Wine Glass

FRISKY ZEBRAS GAME RANGER RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Gold Medal
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition (USA)

Gold Medal
International Women’s Wine Competition (USA)

Gold Medal
South African Women’s Wine Awards

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal, 86 points
Ultra Value Wine Challenge (South Africa)

Best Buy, 86 points
World Eco-Value Wine Challenge (USA)

A Refreshing, Lighter Style
Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of smoked berries and nuts, potters clay, and spiced cherries with a fruity light-to-medium body and a carefree candied orange and lemon, melon, and nuts skin finish. A refreshing lighter style cabernet for everyday enjoyment.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Goes with Barbeques
Dark ruby black color. Smoky aromas of peppercorns, singed herbs, honeyed cranberries, and tar with a supple, vibrant, light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy sour cherry jam and nutskins finish with papery tannins and light oak. A smoky quaffer to go with bbq.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Vibrant, Engaging Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnet black color. Aromas of dill, lava soap, cranberry sauce, and jalapeno relish with a chewy, vibrant, dry full body and a warming, engaging, medium-length fresh blueberry, black pepper, mesquite chips, and red plum finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavour. A herb and smoke laced weeknight Cabernet with heft and lift.
– Conscious Wine Reviews (USA)

FRISKY ZEBRAS MYSTIC MERLOT

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

A Solid Sipper
Garnet color. Toasty aromas and flavors of nuts, berries, and pickling spices with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy finish with notes of cedar and earth with medium tannins and moderate oak. A solid sipper.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Better than Average Quality
Bright brick red color. Aromas of scorched gauze, baked plums, fruitcake, and planked oak with a tangy, dry medium-full body and a finish with earthy, woody tannins and moderate oak. A better than average quality example.
– Tastings.com (USA)

FRISKY ZEBRAS PROVOCATIVE PINOTAGE

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Best Buy, 87 points
World Eco-Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Best Buy, 86 points
World Wine Value Challenge (USA)

Nice for the Table
Violet color. Bright aromas of char roasted nuts, melted chocolate, wild berries, and raw meat with a supple, bright, dryish medium body and a smooth, interesting, carefree plums, volcanic ash, and nutshells finish with earthy, woody tannins. An earthy, lightly smoky pinotage with nice structure for the table.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Smoky, Tangy Red for the Table
Garnet black color. Smoky aromas and flavors of campfire embers, chocolate fondue, and roasted nuts and berries with a silky, tart, fruity medium body and a seamless, charming, breezy grilled cherries and apples, volcanic stones, smoked nuts, and white cigar ash finish with a suggestion of oak. A smoky, tangy red for the table.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Tasty, Lightly Smoked Pinotage
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of melted toffee, roasted berries, and hint of wood smoke with a dry-yet-fruity medium body and a medium-length mixed berry chutney, nuts, and pencil shavings finish. A tasty lightly smoky pinotage with a solid core of fruit.
– Tastings.com (USA)

FRISKY ZEBRAS SENSUOUS SAUVIGNON BLANC

Gold Medal, 87 points
Asia Wine Trophy (Korea)

Gold Medal, 87 points
World Wine Awards (Canada)

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
South African Women’s Wine Awards

Best Buy, 87 points
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Best Buy, 86 points
World Eco-Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Best Value
Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge (France)

Sommeliers Selection Wine List
South African Sommeliers Association

Best Wine Label
iYellow Wine Club (Canada)

Top 25 Wine Under $25
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

Vibrant, Lively Sauvignon Blanc Steals the Show
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of bell pepper, chive, cucumber salad, and sesame with a lean, lively, dry light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish with nuances of pineapple core and granny smith with fruit tannins and no oak flavor. Vibrant aromas of peppers and herbs steal the show in this sprightly Sauvignon Blanc.
– Conscious Wine Reviews (USA)

Nice Savory Sauvignon Blanc
Pale golden yellow color. Earthy aromas and flavors of pickled pepper, gooseberry jam, and plum with a supple, tangy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy finish with suggestions of honey, baked citrus with no oak. A nice savory sauvignon blanc that will work nicely at the table.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Good Balance, Good to Go
Floral, grassy and honeyed tropical fruit aromatics form the beguiling nose of this tangy light-bodied quaffer. Expect flavours in the peach and red apple zones with good balance from moderating acidity plus a lovely textured finish. Good to go on its own, this would also be lovely with a mesculan salad with crumbled chèvre chaud. Fifty cents from each sale goes to help the Toronto Zoo Foundation.
– Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com (Canada)

Lots of Flavour
Delivers lots of flavour and lovely, zesty texture. The balance is good, and it makes good sipping before, during and after a meal.
– Rod Phillips, Ottawa Citizen

Light and Zippy Quaffer
Straw green color. Tropical aromas and flavors of passionfruit, guava, and ruby grapefruit with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a rapid lemon zest, pickled green apple, and grass finish with no oak. A light and zippy sauvignon blanc quaffer.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Interesting Sauvignon Blanc
An interesting Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa that doesn’t have the same acidity or crispness that you would expect. The wine lends itself to a softer version of a Sauvignon Blanc with all the usual pear, stone fruit and citrus flavours associated with this grape. It has a nice citrus and honey flavour with a medium finish. This wine would pair well with seafood tacos or a summer salad while listening to Rock Lobster by the B-52s.
– Mark Uncorked (Canada)

A Bit Friskier, Moderate Intensity
The Frisky Zebras Sauvignon is a bit friskier than the other wines. The fruit is drier with just a pinch of gooseberry and grapefruit. The intensity is moderate but it, too, delivers with a floral, citrus flavour and a slightly bitter, lime-rind finish.
– Anthony Gismondi, Vancouver Sun

Worth Discovering
Frisky Zebras is a brand of South African wines worth discovering. They are easy drinking and ideal for family gatherings and home entertaining. The Frisky Zebras Sensuous Sauvignon Blanc is a tasty libation to get the party started. This white possesses aromas of pink grapefruit and freshly cut grass. The palate is light bodied with tart and bitter grapefruit flavours. If you like yellow grapefruit, then you’ll love this wine. It can be matched to artichoke dip with accompanying vegetables or crackers. The wine’s pleasant bitterness also makes it a match for mini pizzas.
– Shari Darling, Peterborough Examiner (Canada)

Frisky Zebras Does Not Disappoint
I’m happy to say that Frisky Zebras does not disappoint. . . . the proper amount of acidity capped off a delicious blend of grapefruit and oranges.
– Rachel Segal, Drinks After Dark

FRISKY ZEBRAS SUBLIME CHARDONNAY

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Best Buy, 87 points
World Eco-Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Best Buy
World Value Wine Championships (USA)

Crisp and Lively Chardonnay Sipper
Yellow straw color. Interesting aromas and flavors of papaya-mango relish, coconut water, and hint white chocolate mint with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an even, interesting, breezy spiced pineapple and orange and nut brittle finish with a suggestion of oak. A crisp and lively chardonnay sipper.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Bright and Juicy
Golden yellow color. Bright aromas and flavors of apple, lemon, pear and vanilla with a silky, bright dry medium body and a polished, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of melon with no tannins and light oak. Clean and crisp with a touch of oak and juicy apples and melon.
– Tastings.com (USA)

FRISKY ZEBRAS GAME RANGER RESERVE CHENIN BLANC

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
South African Women’s Wine Awards

Best Buy, 87 points
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Best Buy, 85 points
A nice selection for poolside entertaining, this bright and accessible Chenin Blanc offers attractive aromas and flavors of guava, melon and orange marmalade that are balanced by vibrant acidity. Ripe and flavorful without being overdone.
– Wine Enthusiast Magazine (USA)

Best Value
Wine Access Magazine (Canada)

Best Value
Best Value Wine Guide (South Africa)

Judge’s Choice
International Wine Value Awards (Canada)

Judge’s Choice
World Wine Awards (Canada)

Stimulating, Silky Smooth Chenin Blanc
Golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of bartlett pear and honeydew with a silky, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a polished, stimulating, medium-long finish with suggestions of baked peach, chalk, banana candies, and dried rosemary with fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A silky smooth foray with a lasting peachy finish and herbal nuance.
– Conscious Wine Reviews (USA)

Appealing, Refreshing White
Golden straw color. Bright aromas and flavors of pineapple, Meyer lemon, charentais melon, and honeysuckle with a supple, bright, dry light-to-medium body and an effortless, appealing, breezy finish with notes of yellow apple with no tannins and no oak. This refreshing white, like a spoonful of fruit salad, offers tropical and tree fruit along with gently sweet citrus.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Rich and Full Wine, 20/20 points
A spicy baked-apple nose makes way for a citrus palate that is equally spicy. Rich and full, there’s ample fruit expression with moderate acidity keeping the mouthful fresh.
– Best Value Wine Guide (South Africa)

Pleasant for the Table
Straw green color. Grassy aromas and flavors of dried citrus, nectarine pit, and grass with a lean, tart, dry thin body and a brisk wet stone finish with dusty tannins. A pleasant earthy chenin blanc for the table.
– Tastings.com (USA)

FRISKY ZEBRAS WHISPERING WHITE

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Best Buy, 86 points
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Dry, Dainty White
Yellow straw color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of grapefruit, straw mat, and crabapple with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, easy lemon finish with no oak. A dry, dainty white.
– Tatsings.com (USA)

Bright, Charming, Breezy Wine
Bright medium light gold color. Bright, buttery, fruity citrusy aromas of lemon curd, clarified butter, and gravel with an vibrant, dry medium-full body and a warming, charming, breezy finish.
– Tastings.com (USA)

FRISKY ZEBRAS RAVISHING ROSÉ

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Best Buy, 88 points
World Wine Championships (USA)

Tangy, Smoky Rosé Pairs Well with Food
Bright salmon pink color. Lively, fruity, smoky aromas and flavors of baked cherries and berries, white ash, and smoked nuts with a soft, lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a smooth, complex, medium-length balsamic on watermelon, grilled blood orange, toasted herbs, and hint of tar finish with well-integrated tannins and no oak. A tangy, smoky rose that will pair well with grilled foods.
– Tastings.com (USA)

Smoky Rosé for the Table
Topaz pink color. Smoky aromas and flavors of roasted brazil nuts, dried berries, melon rind, and leafy earth with a soft, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk smoked nuts, cherry pit, volcanic ash, and tar finish with a suggestion of oak. A dry, earthy, lightly smoky rose for the table.
– Tastings.com (USA)

LUSCIOUS HIPPOS RED

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Best Buy, 86 points
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Complex, Breezy Finish
Bright medium reddish mahogany color. Lively, fruity, earthy aromas of mulberries, red licorice, dried twigs, and pepper with an crisp, dry full body and a complex, breezy finish.
– Tastings.com (USA)

LUSCIOUS HIPPOS WHITE

Best Buy
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Amusing, Breezy Finish
Bright medium light gold color. Lively, citrusy aromas of Meyer lemons, key lime custard, lemon head candy, and clay with an tangy, dry medium-full body and a peppery, amusing, breezy finish.
– Tastings.com (USA)

SONANCE PINOT GRIGIO

Gold Medal (Exceptional), 91 points
World Value Wine Challenge (USA)

Gold Medal
Gold Wine Awards (South Africa)

Gold Medal
Vitis Vinifera Awards (South Africa)

Snappy and Silky Pinot Grigio
Pale straw color. Fresh aromas and flavours of honeysuckle and lemon zest with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a complex, breezy dried apricot and mango, starfruit, sage, and limestone and diesel finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak.  A snappy and silky Pinot Grigio with complex minerality not unlike a fine German Riesling.
– Tastings.com (USA)