South Africa

Regions

South African wine has a history dating back to 1659 with Constantia, a vineyard near Cape Town. Access to international markets led to new investment in the South African wine market. Production is concentrated around Cape Town, with major vineyard and production centres at Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

There are about 60 appellations within the Wine of Origin (WO) system, which was implemented in 1973 with a hierarchy of designated production regions, districts and wards. WO wines must only contain grapes from the specific area of origin. “Single vineyard” wines must come from a defined area of less than 5 hectares.

An “Estate Wine” can come from adjacent farms if they are farmed together and wine is produced on site. A ward is an area with a distinctive soil type or climate and is roughly equivalent to a European appellation.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, 30 miles east of Cape Town, is regarded by many as the red wine capital of South Africa. The Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys…

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Western Cape

Western Cape is a large ‘geographic unit’ of classification, home to the vast majority of the South African wine industry. A wide variety of wines…

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Products from this country

  • Table Bay Merlot

    South Africa

    Table Bay stands as a beacon of exceptional South African wines, renowned for their…

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  • Table Bay Chenin Blanc

    South Africa

    From a winery overlooking the breath-taking expanse of Table Bay and out towards Table…

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  • Afrikan Ridge Sauvignon Blanc

    South Africa

    Excellent value light and fruity Sauvignon Blanc from Bergsig Estate winery.

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  • Starlight Brut NV

    South Africa

    Starlight Brut is a new innovation form Villiera. Renowned for their pioneering efforts, Villiera…

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  • The Liberator Syrah

    South Africa

    ‘The Liberator’ - aka Rick - is the alter ego of Master of Wine…

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  • The Liberator Chenin Blanc

    South Africa

    “For those commentators content to view South African Chenin Blanc as the primary source…

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  • Afrikan Ridge Merlot

    South Africa

    A nice alternative to entry level Chilean Merlot -  a smooth well balanced wine…

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  • Afrikan Ridge Chenin Blanc

    South Africa

    Good value, entry level Chenin Blanc showing nice fruit and balance.

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  • Simon & The Huguenots Sauvignon/Semillon

    South Africa

    The wine's name references two important aspects of the history of South African wine…

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  • Planet Bee Chenin Blanc

    South Africa

    Friends of the Honey Bee Did you know that bees pollinate over two thirds…

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  • Afrikan Ridge Pinotage

    South Africa

    From the cool climate region of the Breede River Valley, Afrikan Ridge wines are…

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  • Vasco and The Explorers Touriga Nacional

    South Africa

    ‘‘I am not afraid of the darkness. Real death is preferable to a life…

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  • Abraham and The Heretics Pinotage

    South Africa

    Abraham Izak Perold created the Pinotage varietal by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Infamously…

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