South Africa, currently one of the top 10 renowned grape-producing regions globally, contributes 4.1% of the world’s total wine production, securing its place as the eighth largest producer. The country’s primary wine-producing areas are nestled within the Cape region, a Mediterranean climate hotspot at the tip of Africa.
South Africa’s wine repertoire is diverse, boasting a range of red and white wines, liqueurs, sparkling wines, and Sherry. Interestingly, the grape planting season in South Africa precedes Europe’s by six months, allowing new wines to hit the market half a year earlier than their French counterparts.
Wine Production Areas
The Western Cape region, a major hub for South African wine production, houses five significant grape-growing regions: Coastal, Olifants River, Boberg, Breede Valley, and Klein Karoo region. Additional noteworthy areas include the Orange River vineyard and Loopspruit wine region. The region is dotted with 340 wine cellars and wineries, both large and small.
A Glimpse into the Past
South Africa’s winemaking history spans over 300 years. The Dutch first landed in 1652, recognizing the region’s climate and soil as ideal for grape cultivation. This led to the establishment of the first vineyard, marking the inception of South African winemaking.
In 1688, French Huguenots seeking refuge from the French Catholic Church’s persecution arrived in South Africa, further propelling the South African wine industry’s development. The Cape’s wine industry thrived in the 18th century when the Napoleonic Wars disrupted French wine supply to England. However, post-war, South African wine exports to the UK plummeted. Coupled with a disease disaster in 1886 that decimated South Africa’s vineyards, the wine industry nearly collapsed.
The establishment of the South African Grape Growers Cooperative Association (KWV) in 1918 restored stability to South Africa’s winemaking industry. Today, the South African wine industry boasts a vineyard area of 100,000 hectares and a production volume exceeding 600 million liters. The country is home to over 560 wine cellars or wineries, making it the ninth largest wine-producing country globally.
Terroir Overview
Viticulture in South Africa is primarily concentrated in the Mediterranean climate area at 34 degrees south latitude. The western part of this area, with its cool climate, offers ideal conditions for large-scale planting of high-quality grape varieties.
The Cape Mountains, stretching from the skyline to one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions, host vineyards mainly concentrated on the valley sides and the hilly areas of the foothills. This allows grape growing to benefit from the diverse regional climates brought about by the mountainous terrain and different geology.
Soil Type
South Africa, often considered the cradle of humanity, boasts a diverse range of soil types in the Cape wine region due to differences in topography. Coastal areas feature sandy rocks and eroded granite, while lower areas are surrounded by layers of shale. In contrast, the inland area is dominated by shale parent soil and river sedimentary soil.
Biodiversity
The region is home to over 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are endemic. The Cape Plant Kingdom, the smallest and most abundant of the world’s six plant kingdoms, harbors an extraordinary variety of organisms, potentially imparting unique flavors to the wines produced.
Vineyard Transformation
In recent years, over 45% of the vineyards have been remodeled to align with the revival of the South African wine industry. The main measures include shifting from mass production to cultivating varieties to produce high-quality wines. South Africanvineyards, once dominated by white grape varieties, have now evolved towards a balanced development of white and red grapes driven by market trends.
Wine producers in the region are dedicated to selecting the best growing locations for specific grape varieties. They also focus on choosing new varieties and rootstock grafted seedlings that adapt well to the local soil and climate. Currently, the South African wine grape plantation spans 110,200 hectares, distributed over an area approximately 800 kilometers long.
Wine Region
According to the Alcoholic Products Act proposed in 1989, the control and management of wine origin, cultivars, and grape harvest period fall under the Wine and Spirits Administration’s jurisdiction. Each bottle of wine or brandy carries a seal issued by the Wine and Spirits Authority, guaranteeing the authenticity of all label information regarding origin, variety, year of harvest, etc. The identification code on the seal signifies the Wine and Spirits Administration’s strict management of wine products from pressing to the final product identification.
Under the Wine Origin Program’s leadership, the Cape Wine Region’s production area is divided into six officially delineated geographical areas (Geographical Units), five major production areas (Regions), 27 local wine production areas, and 78 sub-regions.
South Africa’s wine industry is spread across four major geographic regions:
- Greater Cape (including the former Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape)
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Free State
Western Cape: The Heart of South African Wine
The Western Cape region is the largest and most significant wine-producing region in South Africa, housing most of the country’s wine regions and wineries. It comprises five major production areas:
- Breede River Valley Region, which includes Breedekloof, Robertson, and Worcester.
- Cape South Coast Region, featuring Cape Agulhas, Elgin, Overberg, Plettenberg Bay, Swellendam, and Walker Bay.
- Coastal Region, home to Cape Peninsula, Cape Point, Darling, Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Tulbagh, Tygerberg, and Wellington.
- Klein Karoo Region, with production areas like Calitzdorp and Langeberg-Garcia.
- Olifants River Region, encompassing Citrusdal Mountain, Citrusdal Valley, and Lutzville Valley.
Northern Cape: The Warmest Wine Region
The Northern Cape, stretching along the Orange River, is the northernmost grape-growing area of the Cape and the fourth-largest producing area. It’s the most important white wine-producing area, with red grapes—especially Merlot, Pinotage, and Syrah—increasingly being planted. The Northern Cape includes appellations like Douglas and Sutherland-Karoo.
Eastern Cape: A Region in Progress
The Eastern Cape region is currently without any specific region and production area.
KwaZulu-Natal: A Promising Newcomer
KwaZulu-Natal includes the Central Drakensberg appellation. Although it doesn’t have any large appellations, the region shows promise.
Limpopo: A Region Yet to be Defined
The Limpopo region currently doesn’t have any specific region and production area.
Free State: A Small but Significant Player
The Free State region includes the Caeres Plateau production area.
Grape Variety: The Backbone of South African Wine
Approximately 73 cultivars are approved for wine production in South Africa. Each variety has different characteristics resulting from long-term adaptation to different soils and climates, and can meet the requirements for brewing wines of specific quality and taste. This reflects a close relationship between the cultivar, the place of origin, and the wine itself.
The varietal designation of the grapes on the product label is authorized under the Wine Origin Program and can only be used if the varietal matches. Moreover, the corresponding name should only be used if 75% of the ingredients in the wine come from this variety. If the wine is exported to the EU, 85% of the ingredients must come from this cultivar.
Pinotage is the most distinctive wine grape variety in South Africa, and it is the pride of South Africa. This grape is a variety bred by Professor Abraham Izak Perold of South Africa in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Over the years, Pinotage has performed well in South Africa and has become a representative symbol of South African wine. Pinotage wines are exceptionally fresh, intensely fruity, and unabashedly bold. In the mouth, it is soft and juicy, with a hint of sweetness.
Red Grape Variety
The red grape varieties include Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsaut (Noir), Gamay Noir, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Muscadel, Nebbiolo, Petit Sirah (Durif), Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Roobernet, Ruby Cabernet, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Souzào, Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel, and more.
White Grape Variety
The white grape varieties include Bukettraube, Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc), Chardonnay, Chenel, Chenin Blanc (Steen), Clairette Blanche, Colombar, Emerald Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Grenache (Blanc), Marsann, Muscat d’Alexandrie (Hanepoot), Muscadel, Nouvelle, Palomino (White French Grape), Pinot Gris, Riesling (Rhine or Weisser Riesling), Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano), Viognier, Weisser, Riesling, and more.
Wine Region of Origin
The wine region of origin includes Bot River, Breedekloof, Cape Agulhas, Cape Point, Cederberg, Central Orange River, Constantia, Darling, Durbonville, Elgin, Franschhoek, Klein Karoo, Kwazulu – Natal, Malgas, Olifants River, Overberg, Paarl, Philadelphia, Plettenberg Bay, Robertson, Stellenbosch, Sutherland -Karoo, Swartland, Tulbagh, Walker Bay, Wellington, Worcester, and more.
South Africa, a country renowned for its diverse landscapes, is also home to a rich tapestry of wine regions. Each region, with its unique terroir and microclimate, contributes to the country’s vibrant wine industry. This article takes you on a journey through these regions, exploring their unique characteristics and the exquisite wines they produce.
Bot River
Bot River, the gateway to Walker Bay, encompasses the Bot River Village and Valley. This region stretches from the saline lake of Bot River to the Groenlandberg and Babylonstoren mountains, skirting the edge of the Kogelberg biosphere. The area is celebrated for its cool marine microclimate, a result of the lake and Walker Bay’s influence, which ushers in cool winds from the ocean and lake into the valley. The soil is predominantly shale and mountain sandstone, providing an ideal environment for Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz, and other French Rhone varieties. Bot River is a charming blend of craft breweries and rustic allure, making it a unique character in the South African wine landscape.
Breedekloof
Breedekloof, an appellation characterized by stony alluvial soils, is built on rocky valley riverbeds that provide sufficient drainage for the local vineyards to thrive. The production area spans most of the Breede River Valley and its tributaries, each valley watershed exhibiting distinct soil and climatic differences. This region includes the Goudini and Slanghoek sub-regions and is home to 24 wineries.
Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, houses most of its vineyards in the coastal area near the quaint town of Elim. The entire region of Elim is picturesque, and the strong Atlantic wind ensures a very cool season during the summer grape ripening period. The region is known for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, with Semillon and Shiraz also showing promise. Despite its small size, this coastal area exhibits immense potential.
Cape Point
Cape Point vineyards are nestled by the sea, some just a kilometer from the coast, on the western edge of the narrow Cape Peninsula region. The cool-climate vineyards here are suitable for growing Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Cederberg
Cederberg is home to some of South Africa’s remote and highest-altitude vineyards. This separate sub-region, located in the Olifants River region, produces exciting wines from the Cederberg Mountains. The most renowned varieties from this region include Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Chenin, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Central Orange River
Central Orange River, the northernmost grape-growing region in South Africa, boasts about 4,687 hectares of vineyards, most of which are distributed along the Orange River valley. Here, white grape varieties predominate, but red grape varieties are starting to grow more and more. The main wine grape varieties include Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Muscadel, and Muscat d’Alexandrie.
These Merlot wines are grown in valleys with different microclimates, where they are protected from direct sunlight. The similar Mediterranean-type climate combined with the cooling effect of the river creates a favorable environment for the vineyards, which is conducive to the production of high-quality wines.
The soil types in the 350-kilometer-long Central Orange River region also vary greatly. The wines produced by various wineries are of different styles, and the styles and flavors of wines vary from east to west. Wines from the easternmost regions have higher flavor compounds and higher acidity.
Constantia
The historic Constantia Valley is the birthplace of the Constantia sweet wine, renowned throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Along this wine route, there are a small number of wine cellars that preserve the tradition of producing wines of exceptional quality. The vineyard adjoins Fort Constantia, an extension of Mount Talb, below Cape Town and its suburbs. The grapes grown here also benefit from the cool sea breeze from the Firth of Firth, which is 5 to 10 kilometers away.
Darling
Darling is replete with high-quality vineyards, and it is only an hour away from Cape Town, which is becoming more and more attractive to tourists. The Groenekloof community in the region is known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blancs as it is closest to the cool Atlantic Ocean.
Durbanville
Like Constantia, the dryland vineyards of the Durban Valley are very close to Cape Town. There are four wineries and three wineries here, mainly located on rolling land near the sea. The different landforms and altitudes have given birth to a variety of wines with a focus on red grapes. The Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot produced in the region are well known around the world.
Elgin
Elgin is located in the east of the capital Cape Town, only one hour away by car. It has a higher terrain and a cooler climate. It originated from the ancient sandstone Hottentots Holland Mountain, which is the traditional production area for apple cultivation. The award-winning wines there show exceptional fruit flavors and good ripeness, with Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz doing particularly well here.
Franschhoek
The Franschhoek Valley is located in the southeast of Paarl, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and is the “Gourmet Capital” of South Africa, where it retains its unique traditional French Huguenot style. The streams that flow from the peaks to the bottom of the valley converge into the Berg River, where the currents are turbulent, the peaks are covered with snow in winter, the streams are murmuring in summer, and there is a large Wemmershoek dam on the river.
Klein Karoo
The Klein Karoo is a long and narrow area from Montagu to Oudtshoorn and Langkloof, where the climate is a bit more extreme, with warmer summers and less precipitation. Grape growing is mainly concentrated in the Kloofs area with abundant irrigation water. Klein Karoo specializes in sweet wines, and the area produces several of the most prestigious fortified wines in South Africa. For example, the Calitzdorp area is famous for producing high-quality Port wine, and the brandy there is also one of South Africa’s specialties. In addition, the region is currently increasingly focusing on the Merlot variety.
Kwazulu – Natal
From Greytown to the middle of the Oribi Flats region, an area at 1,500 meters above sea level, the wine industry is in its infancy, but there are signs of a promising future.
Malgas
The emerging subregion of Malgas is situated on a rocky plateau 80 kilometers east of Cape Agulhas, where the vineyards are dominated by drought-tolerant Mediterranean varieties, usually on the Breede River at approximately 70 meters above sea level. The annual rainfall here is 350 mm, and the complex rocky soil combined with the warm and dry climate provides excellent potential for grape growth, aided by the constant sea breeze blowing from the ocean about 15 kilometers away.
Olifants River
The Olifants River appellation is a band of regions along the broad valley of the Olefants River. It is also warmer and receives less precipitation than other Cape wine regions. The meticulous leaf curtain management technology ensures that the grapes can use the leaves to block the sun. At the same time, combined with modern winemaking techniques, the Olefants River region has become an important base for high-quality, high-value wines. The region includes cooler Koekenaap, Vredendal and Spruitdrift as well as Bamboes Bay near South Africa’s west coast and high altitude Piekenierskloof. The premium Sauvignon Blanc here is the main highlight.
Overberg
Emerging viticultural regions such as Porter River, Aijian and Walker Bay are scattered in the cooler southern regions. The Walker Bay area, close to the seaside city of Hermanius, is currently home to the best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa. Wines from the Klein River sub-region near Stanford have won numerous awards at international wine competitions. Some of these vineyards are by the sea, benefiting from cool sea breezes, and the soils are weathered shale soils, perfect for varieties that prefer cooler climates.
Paarl
Paarl is located in the north of the Stellenbosch production area, bordering on the northeast of Wellington Town, and is a beautiful town 50 kilometers away from Cape Town. It lies below a rock formation formed by three huge dome-shaped granite rock formations, the largest of which is called Parr’s Peak. The production area includes Simonsberg-Paarl and Voor Paardeberg sub-production areas, where many varieties of grapes are planted, such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and so on.
Known as the “culinary capital” of the Cape region, Franciaquer in the Paarl region still maintains the characteristics of the French Huguenot sect, which is also reflected in the wines produced. The region also includes Wellington, a developing wine region producing some promising wines, and the newest, Simonsberg-Paarl.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a new sub-region of the Tygerberg wine region in the Western Cape (Western Cape) region of South Africa, north of the Durbanville region. Philadelphia also benefits from a cool Atlantic breeze. Vineyards in this area are usually at an altitude of 260 meters, which is slightly higher than the surrounding areas, which is conducive to increasing the temperature difference between day and night and allowing grapes to ripen slowly. There are some highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and promising blends here.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay is a wine region in the Cape South Coast region of the Western Cape region. The vineyards in this production area were originally planted in 2000. It is a new production area and the easternmost production area on the east coast of South Africa, including some mountainous areas 20 kilometers from the seaside of Plettenberg Bay. The beautiful natural environment, unspoiled beaches and excellent whale watching attractions are the area’s wealth. The region’s cool coastal climate and vineyards with high soil carbon content have proven ideal for Sauvignon Blanc.
Robertson
The Robertson region, irrigated by the Breede River, is known as the “Valley of Wine and Roses”. The charcoal soil here is ideal for horse racing and, of course, for the production of high-quality wine. Despite the relatively high summer temperatures, a cool and humid southeast wind sweeps across the valley. This is a traditional white wine region, renowned for its Chardonnay. Robertson is also the Cape region’s most notable appellation for Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Additionally, locally produced fortified sweet wine is a traditional product in this region. The appellation also includes the sub-region Bonnievale.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is one of the most famous wine regions in South Africa, home to the beautiful town of Stellenbosch University and Elsenburg Agricultural College, which specializes in training viticulture and winemaking professionals. South Africa’s main wine research institution, Stellenbosch, takes pride in its traditional winemaking history dating back to the latter part of the 17th century. Its rapidly growing number of wineries and brewers (over 130) also includes some of the biggest names in the Cape. In this area, there are wineries with a long history and contemporary wineries, which cultivate almost all the noble grape varieties. Moreover, it is also famous for its multi-variety blended red wine. The concentrated growing area here is divided into several smaller varietal growing areas, including Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek, Bottelary, Devon Valley, Helderberg, Papegaaiberg, Koelenhof, and Vlottenburg.
Sutherland-Karoo
Sutherland-Karoo is a wine region in the Northern Cape. This is a high-altitude arid area, and the entire production area is in the surrounding area of Sutherland City in northern South Africa, which is the coldest city in South Africa.
Swartland
The Swartland area is located in the northwest of Cape Town and is a coastal area. It is bordered to the north by Fort Pickett. Swartland is one of the main food-producing areas in South Africa. Against the backdrop of rolling golden wheat waves and green vineyards, the Swartland area is a traditional producing area of rich and mellow red grapes and high-quality fortified wines. In recent years, a variety of red and white wines have won exciting awards. This appellation also produces top-quality Port wine. The main varieties grown here are Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Tulbagh
Surrounded by the Groot Winterhoek, Witsenberg, and Obiekwaberg mountains on three sides, the Tulbagh region is planted with both orchards and wheat fields. Although the complexity of the mountains has created a variety of regional microclimates and soils, the summer climate is still relatively warm, with a large temperature difference between day and night. With today’s high-tech vineyard irrigation management and advanced cultivation practices, the potential of this region is gradually being realized. At present, there are two cooperative organizations and 13 wineries in this hidden production area, producing wine with Shiraz as the main variety.
Walker Bay
The Walker Bay appellation surrounds the seaside town of Hermanus, where the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is known as the birthplace of South Africa’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley also includes Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Sunday’s Glen, and Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The quality of Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Shiraz here is also excellent. The cool climate is due to the fact that the vineyards in this appellation benefit from the constant cool winds that blow in from the nearby ocean. The soil here is mainly weathered shale soil. The ideal terroir and cool climate are very suitable for grape growing here. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to the east is the Stanford Foothills sub-region.
Wellington
Wellington is one of South Africa’s emerging wine regions. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, terraced fields on alluvial soils extend to the rolling hills of Swartland, and vineyards in the towering Hawequa Valley create a unique microclimate. Wellington is also the main breeding base for grape seedlings, and 85% of the grape seedlings in South Africa come from here. There are about 26 wine producers in the region, ranging from ancient traditional wineries to modern boutique wineries. In winter, the summits are sometimes covered with snow, and nighttime temperatures are often cooler than on the coast, 60 kilometers away.
Worcester
Wine production in the Worcester appellation is characterized by large cooperative organizations. It is also the most important brandy region. Over the past few years, some of these large production organizations have started bottling fine wines. The appellation occupies most of the Breeder Valley and its tributaries. Here, different valley soils and microclimates are different. The Rosen countryside near Worcester is dotted with lush vineyards planted on river valley soil. On this wine route, there are 18 wine cellars within 10 kilometers.
New Areas
Exciting new districts are emerging, some of which have yet to spin off.
Elim, at the southernmost tip of Africa, is a small independent region with cool sea vineyards. Langkloof is located in the semi-arid Klinkaroo district, but only 18 kilometers from the coast, and can benefit from the ocean in terms of climate. Of course, there are also vineyards in the high mountains of Schwartburg, where snow often falls in winter.
Wine Tourism
There are 12 wine farm avenues in South Africa. The first avenue is Groot Constantia, the oldest vineyard in South Africa is Stellenbosch, other famous farms include Paarl, Wellington, Vignerons de Franschhoek, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson, Swartland, Olifants River, Overberg, Little Karoo and Durbanville.