4th Street Wine – South Africa’s #1 Most Consumed Alcohol Brand
4th Street Wine is South Africa’s most consumed alcohol brand, enjoyed by over 2 million South Africans every week and crafted by Heineken Beverages (formerly Distell Group). Launched in May 2009 with only a Rosé variant, this naturally sweet wine brand has expanded into a comprehensive range including Natural Sweet Red, Natural Sweet White, Natural Sweet Rosé, and Sweet Late Harvest varieties. At approximately 7.5-8% ABV with 71g/l residual sugar, 4th Street wines are made from quality grapes sourced from selected vineyards throughout the Western Cape, harvested at optimum ripeness to deliver maximum burst of fruity flavors and aromas. Available in 750ml bottles, 1.5L bottles, 3L boxes, and 5L casks, these fresh, naturally sweet wines burst with flavors of ripe berries, tropical fruit, and subtle floral notes – perfect for social gatherings, ladies’ nights, and casual occasions when it’s time to get together with friends and enjoy wine your way.
Key Facts:
- Brand: 4th Street Wine
- Producer: Heineken Beverages (formerly Distell Group)
- Launched: May 2009 (initially Rosé only)
- Expanded: 2011 (Red and White added, 5L cask introduced)
- Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
- ABV: Approximately 7.5-8% (low alcohol, easy drinking)
- Residual Sugar: 71g/l (naturally sweet)
- Variants: Natural Sweet Red, Natural Sweet White, Natural Sweet Rosé, Sweet Late Harvest
- Pack Sizes: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L box, 5L cask
- Market Position: #1 most consumed alcohol brand in South Africa
When it comes to sweet, fruity wine that celebrates friendship and good times, 4th Street is South Africa’s undisputed champion, boet! This isn’t just popular – it’s the #1 most consumed alcohol brand in the entire country with over 2 million people enjoying it weekly. Whether you’re hosting a ladies’ night, chilling with friends, or just unwinding after work, 4th Street delivers that perfect blend of fruity sweetness, easy drinking, and affordability that’s made it Mzansi’s favorite!
History
From Single Rosé to National Phenomenon
4th Street Wine launched in May 2009 with a simple vision: create fun, sociable wine perfect for sharing with friends. Initially, the brand featured only the Rosé variety in 750ml and 1.5-litre pack sizes. The response was immediate – South Africans loved the fresh, fruity, naturally sweet character that made wine accessible and enjoyable.
4th Street Timeline:
- May 2009: 4th Street launched by Distell with Rosé variant only (750ml and 1.5L)
- 2011: Brand expands to include Natural Sweet Red and Natural Sweet White varieties
- 2011: Rosé introduced in 5-litre cask format for ultimate convenience and value
- 2011-2015: Rapid growth across South Africa, becoming household favorite
- 2016-2020: International expansion, becoming fastest growing wine brand globally
- 2021: Heineken acquires control of Distell (creating Heineken Beverages)
- 2022: Non-alcoholic sparkling wine launched in Nigeria
- 2023: Recognized as South Africa’s #1 most consumed alcohol brand (Eighty20 survey)
- 2025: Continues market dominance with 2 million+ weekly consumers
The Philosophy: Simplicity and Social Connection
4th Street wines are created in simplicity with ladies’ nights in mind and the concept of social gatherings. The brand targets millennials, especially youth, women, urban township residents, and college students who want to enjoy wine their way – uncomplicated, sweet, fresh, and affordable.
As the brand states: “When it’s time to get together with friends, it’s time to open 4th Street.”
Cultural Impact and Market Dominance
In October 2023, Eighty20 (a Cape Town-based consultancy) revealed groundbreaking data: 4th Street Wine is the most consumed alcohol brand in South Africa, with over 2 million South Africans consuming it every week. This surpasses even iconic brands like Savanna Dry (second place), Black Label (third), Brutal Fruit (fourth), and Gordon’s Gin (fifth).
This dominance reflects significant shifts in South African drinking culture. The flavored alcohol category has grown substantially, and 4th Street’s approachable sweetness appeals to consumers seeking accessible luxury without pretension.
International Success
4th Street is not just a South African success story – it’s the fastest growing wine brand internationally. The brand has achieved remarkable penetration in markets like Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and other African countries where its sweet, fruity profile resonates with local preferences.
In 2022, Distell Nigeria launched 4th Street non-alcoholic sparkling wine, positioning it as “the drink of choice for young, upbeat, urban, and social Nigerians looking to celebrate their way, drink anytime their way.”
Production Method
Western Cape Excellence
4th Street wines are made from quality grapes sourced from selected vineyards throughout the Western Cape, South Africa’s premier wine-producing region.
Production Specifications:
- Origin: Western Cape, South Africa (Wine of Origin designation)
- Producer: Heineken Beverages (formerly Distell Wines)
- Harvest: February and March at optimum ripeness for maximum fruity nectar
- Process: Standard winemaking practices followed to produce base wines
- Key Innovation: Fresh grape juice preserved without allowing complete fermentation
- Blending: Light, fruity, full sweet grape juice carefully blended by skilled winemakers
- Result: Sweet, easy to drink, low alcohol wines
The Sweet Wine Secret
Unlike traditional dry wines where fermentation converts all sugars to alcohol, 4th Street employs a distinctive process: fresh grape juice is preserved, allowing no (or minimal) fermentation. This creates wines that are:
Naturally Sweet: 71g/l residual sugar delivers pronounced sweetness without harsh alcohol burn
Low Alcohol: Approximately 7.5-8% ABV makes it easy drinking and sessionable
Fruity: Preserving fresh juice maximizes fruit character and aromatic intensity
Approachable: Lower alcohol and natural sweetness appeal to broader audience
This production method positions 4th Street between traditional wine (11-14% ABV, dry to off-dry) and wine coolers/spritzers (diluted, carbonated). It’s authentic wine made sweet and accessible.
Quality from Premium Regions
The distinct 4th Street wine brands are made from quality grape fruit sourced from selected vineyards throughout the Western Cape. Grapes are harvested at the best ripeness stage to ensure maximum burst of fruity flavors and aromas. Standard wine making practices ensure quality, while the preserved juice method delivers the signature 4th Street character consumers love.
Alcohol Percentage
4th Street Wine contains approximately 7.5-8% ABV (alcohol by volume), positioning it as low-alcohol wine perfect for social occasions and extended drinking.
The Low-Alcohol Advantage
At 7.5-8% ABV, 4th Street offers several benefits:
Easy Drinking: Significantly lower than regular wine (11-14% ABV), making it smooth and approachable
Sessionable: Perfect for all-day gatherings, brunches, and extended social occasions without overwhelming effects
Accessible: Lower alcohol removes intimidation factor for wine newcomers
Social Focus: Emphasis on flavor and friendship rather than intoxication
Official Specs Example (Natural Sweet Red):
- Alcohol: 7.53% vol
- Residual Sugar: 71 g/l
- pH: 3.6
- Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
This balanced profile delivers sweetness, fruitiness, and refreshment while keeping alcohol modest – exactly what the target audience wants!
Number of Calories
Looking to enjoy sweet wine responsibly? Here’s the estimated calorie breakdown for 4th Street Wine:
Calorie Information (approximately 8% ABV with 71g/l sugar):
- Per 100ml: Approximately 85-95 calories
- Per 125ml Glass (standard wine pour): Approximately 106-119 calories
- Per 750ml Bottle: Approximately 638-713 calories total
- Per 1.5L Bottle: Approximately 1,275-1,425 calories total
Understanding Sweet Wine Calories
4th Street’s calories come from two sources:
Alcohol: 8% ABV contributes approximately 56-60 calories per 100ml Residual Sugar: 71g/l adds approximately 25-30 calories per 100ml
The combination means 4th Street has more calories than dry wines (typically 65-80 cal/100ml) but remains moderate compared to cream liqueurs or dessert wines.
Comparison Context:
- 4th Street (8% ABV, sweet): 85-95 cal/100ml
- Dry wine (12% ABV): 80-85 cal/100ml
- Sweet dessert wine (15% ABV): 140-160 cal/100ml
- Beer (5% ABV): 40-50 cal/100ml
Pro Tip: The 750ml bottle at approximately 638-713 calories total is reasonable when shared among friends (the intended use!). A 125ml glass contains about 106-119 calories – similar to a glass of regular wine despite the sweetness!
Tasting Notes
4th Street Natural Sweet Red
Appearance: Brilliant red color with vibrant ruby hues. Clear, inviting, and visually appealing.
On the Nose: Inviting aroma of ripe berries and subtle floral notes. Bursts with fruity nectar – strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants. Fresh, sweet, and immediately approachable.
On the Palate: Burst of juicy red fruit flavors dominates – strawberries and raspberries lead, supported by blackcurrant and cherry notes. Pronounced sweetness (71g/l sugar) is balanced by crisp acidity preventing cloying character. Light body with smooth texture. The 7.5% alcohol provides gentle warmth without burn. Fruity, fresh, naturally sweet, and easy to drink.
Finish: Medium-short with lingering berry sweetness and subtle floral notes. Refreshing rather than heavy. Clean conclusion invites another sip.
4th Street Natural Sweet White
Appearance: Clear, pale straw color with greenish hints. Bright and fresh-looking.
On the Nose: Tropical fruit aromas burst forward – pineapple, mango, passion fruit. Hints of citrus and floral notes add complexity.
On the Palate: Full tropical fruit flavor explosion with pineapple, mango, and citrus leading. Natural sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity. Light, fruity, easy drinking with smooth finish.
4th Street Natural Sweet Rosé
Appearance: Beautiful pink hue – vibrant, inviting, photogenic!
On the Nose: Strawberry, raspberry, and floral notes create romantic aromatic profile.
On the Palate: Red berry fruits meet subtle tropical notes. Sweet, refreshing, versatile. Perfect balance of fruitiness and drinkability.
Overall Character
All 4th Street variants share core characteristics: fruity, fresh, naturally sweet, and easy to drink. The wines burst with maximum fruity flavors and aromas from optimally ripened grapes. They’re unpretentious, enjoyable, fun, and perfect for social occasions!
Best Served With
The Ultimate Social Wine
4th Street is designed for friendship, sharing, and good times:
Serving Suggestions:
Well Chilled: Serve cold (6-8°C) to enhance refreshing qualities and balance sweetness
In a Wine Glass: Pour into stemmed glasses for touch of elegance
Straight from Bottle: Casual, fun – perfect for outdoor gatherings
Over Ice: Some enjoy 4th Street over ice for extra refreshment (unconventional but popular!)
Occasions:
Ladies’ Nights: Created with this in mind – gather the girls and enjoy!
Social Gatherings: Whenever good times pop up, open 4th Street
Casual Dinners: Approachable wine for relaxed meals with friends
Picnics & Outdoor Events: Boxed wine formats perfect for portable refreshment
House Parties: Affordable, crowd-pleasing, universally enjoyed
Romantic Dates: Sweet wines create romantic atmosphere
Food Pairings:
Light Fare:
- Salads with vinaigrette
- Grilled chicken
- Soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert)
- Fresh fruit platters
Spicy Foods:
- Thai curries
- Spicy chicken wings
- Indian cuisine
- Sweet-spicy BBQ
Desserts:
- Fruit tarts
- Chocolate cake
- Ice cream
- Strawberries and cream
Snacks:
- Cheese and crackers
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Fresh berries
Pro Tips:
- The 5L cask offers best value for parties
- 3L boxes perfect for weekend gatherings
- 750ml bottles ideal for couples or small groups
- 1.5L bottles great for 4-6 people
- Always serve chilled for best experience
- Don’t overthink it – 4th Street is about fun, not wine snobbery!
Where to Buy
Available Everywhere in South Africa
4th Street is the most widely available wine brand in South Africa:
National Retail Chains:
- Shoprite Liquor – All formats regularly stocked with frequent specials
- Pick n Pay Liquor – Comprehensive 4th Street selection
- Checkers Liquor – All variants available nationwide
- Makro – Bulk options and competitive pricing
- Tops at Spar – Available at larger stores
- Ultra Liquors – Full 4th Street range
- Liquor City – Widespread availability
- Game – Select stores
- Boxer Liquor – Budget-friendly options
Online Retailers:
- Norman Goodfellows – Full range with delivery
- Mother City Liquor – Western Cape and national delivery
- Takealot – Online ordering (when in stock)
Available Formats:
- 750ml bottles (single and 6-packs)
- 1.5L bottles
- 3L boxes
- 5L casks
Pro Tip: 4th Street is so popular it’s literally everywhere – from major malls to township spaza shops. You’re never far from finding it!
Prices
Exceptional Value at Every Level
4th Street Wine South African Pricing (2024-2025):
750ml Bottles:
- Shoprite: R47.99-R54.99
- Checkers: R47.99-R54.99
- Average: R48-R55 per bottle
1.5L Bottles:
- Estimated: R85-R110
3L Boxes:
- Shoprite: R144.99 (with R25 savings during specials)
- Pick n Pay: R139.99-R144.99
- Checkers: R144.99
5L Casks:
- Shoprite: R189.99 (frequent specials at this price)
- Checkers: R194.99
- Pick n Pay: R199.99
Unbeatable Value Proposition
At approximately R48-R55 for 750ml, 4th Street delivers:
Cost Per Glass (125ml): R8-R9 per glass Cost Per Person (3-4 glasses): R24-R36 per person
Why 4th Street Dominates:
- Affordability: Cheapest quality wine in South Africa
- Accessibility: Available literally everywhere
- Flavor: Sweet, fruity taste appeals broadly
- Versatility: Multiple formats for every occasion
- No Pretension: Approachable for everyone
Best Value Options:
- 5L Cask at R189.99: R38 per litre (best value!)
- 3L Box at R139.99-R144.99: R47-R48 per litre
- 750ml at R48: R64 per litre (still excellent)
Pro Tip: Watch Shoprite Liquor catalogues for frequent 4th Street specials. Stock up during promotions when 5L casks drop to R189.99 – you’re getting premium sweet wine at unbeatable prices, boet!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 4th Street Wine?
4th Street is South Africa’s most consumed alcohol brand – naturally sweet wine made from Western Cape grapes by Heineken Beverages (formerly Distell). Launched 2009, it offers Sweet Red, Sweet White, Sweet Rosé, and Late Harvest varieties at approximately 8% ABV with fresh, fruity, easy-drinking character.
Why is 4th Street so popular in South Africa?
4th Street dominates because it’s affordable (R48-R55 per bottle), widely available, naturally sweet and fruity (appealing to broad audience), low alcohol (easy drinking), and unpretentious (enjoy wine your way). Over 2 million South Africans drink it weekly!
What does 4th Street taste like?
4th Street bursts with fruity flavors: Sweet Red offers strawberries and raspberries with berry sweetness; Sweet White delivers tropical pineapple and mango; Sweet Rosé combines red berries with floral notes. All are fresh, naturally sweet, and refreshingly easy to drink.
How much alcohol is in 4th Street?
4th Street contains approximately 7.5-8% ABV – significantly lower than regular wine (11-14%). This makes it sessionable for extended social occasions and accessible for those who find higher-alcohol drinks too strong.
Where can I buy 4th Street Wine?
4th Street is available everywhere: Shoprite Liquor, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Makro, Tops, Ultra Liquors, Liquor City, Game, Boxer Liquor, Norman Goodfellows, Mother City Liquor, and Takealot. It’s South Africa’s most accessible wine brand.
Is 4th Street real wine?
Yes! 4th Street is authentic wine made from Western Cape grapes using standard winemaking practices. Fresh grape juice is preserved with minimal fermentation, creating naturally sweet, low-alcohol wine. It’s not a wine cooler or spritzer – it’s real wine made sweet and accessible.
4th Street Wine isn’t just South Africa’s favorite alcohol brand – it’s a cultural phenomenon representing accessible luxury, social connection, and the joy of sharing good times with friends. From its 2009 launch to dominating the market with 2 million+ weekly consumers, 4th Street has democratized wine enjoyment for all South Africans.
So next time it’s time to get together with friends, you know what to open. Grab your favorite 4th Street variant, chill it properly, and celebrate friendship the South African way!
4th Street – When it’s time to get together with friends.
Not for persons under the age of 18. Drink responsibly.