Wines

SOUTH AFRICA IS HOME TO ONE OF THE OLDEST WINE COUNTRIES OUTSIDE EUROPE!

South Africa’s winemaking history dates about 350 years ago andit is often described as bridging the gap between the Old World and New.

The Dutch settlers and French Huguenots brought vines from their home countries and quickly realised the potential of the fertile soil. They used their knowledge of growing wine grapes and developed a magnificent wine industry in South Africa.

The first vineyard was planted in 1655 already. Since then, South Africa’s grape industry has grown to more than 10,000 producers.

South Africa's wine industry is mostly situated in Western Cape area. Western Cape is dominated by the lush green landscape, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus which allow winemakers to produce a diverse range of styles. 

The country's signature variety is Pinatoge which was developed to survive the African conditions by indigenous crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut . 

Many different grape varieties thrive in South Africa’s fertile soil under warm African sun besides signature Pinotage:

Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are currently the most widely planted varietals in South Africa. Shiraz is widely planted also, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which you can often find together in a Bordeaux Blend.

The most famous regions in South Africa are:

Constantia

South Africa's oldest wine region is located in Constantia which is 20 minutes drive from Cape Town city center. This region has only few wineries that are ideally sited on the slopes of Constantia Mountain near Table mountain reserve, where they are cooled by the sea breezes. 

The Constantia wine estates produce therefore elegant red wines and fresh white wines. 

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch has a equally long historic wine-producing tradition. The first vineyards were planted here in the 1690s and it is just a short distance (40 km) east of Cape Town.Stellenbosch is the most famous wine-producing region in South Africa  and is home to the country’s best-known wine estates. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety, and is often combined with Merlot to create Bordeaux Blend wines. If you would like to study about the wine and become a pro, there is a famous university in Stellenbosh town itself.

Franschoek

The Franschoek valley is a small but significant region situated near by Stellenbosch. Franschoek means French conner and it was named after the French Hugenots who settled here in 17th century. The picturesque valley is surrounded by the Drakenstein mountains and the wide variety of soils. Frequent rain falls permits production of a wide variety of wine styles. This region is also hotter than Stellenbosch and widely popular amongst tourists. The trendy town is rightfully considered as the gourmet capital of the winelands. This famous French conner is a home to many internationally beloved wines.

Paarl

Paarl wine region is located 60 kilometers inland from Cape Town and just north of Stellenbosch. This is the hottest of the Western Cape’s primary wine regions and it produces full body sun kissed wines.

Swartland

Swartland is a large wine-producing area 65 kilometers north of Cape Town in the Western Cape. This region was traditionally known for producing the wheat and now it specializes in making rich, fruit-driven wines particularly from the Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage grape varieties. Darling is part of Swartland region and it is considered the “Flower of the West Coast” ad it is known for being home to huge array of floral species and wonderful wines.

Robertson

Robertson is known locally as the "valley of wine and roses". This wine area is located near the Breede River Valley region of the Western Cape and is about 160km east of Cape Town. Robertson belongs to one of the well known wine regions and produces rich, fruit-driven red and popular white wines.