Wines

Did you know South Africa was among top 10 wine producing countries in the world and accounted for about 4% of the world's wine? Cultivation areas stretching over close to 100,000 hectares and 800 km in length produce 10 million hl every single year. The "Wine of Origin" (WO) program dating back to 1973. defines South African wine regions and divides production zones into official geographical units, regions, districts and wards. Wine of Origin can only contain grapes from the specific area of origin, and the WO system currently recognises about 60 appellations. Vineyards are mostly situated near the coast in the Western Cape, with 27 diverse districts and about 71 wards. Stay with us as we visit several notable Wine of Origins districts and present a diverse range of South African wines.

Wines of South Africa: Stellenbosch

Established in 1679, Stellenbosch is the second oldest settlement in South Africa. With a winemaking tradition of more than 300 years and about 170 producers, this is also the country’s leading wine area. It’s home to the only university in the country offering a degree in viticulture and oenology. Some say that Stellenbosch is to South African wine what Napa is to Californian wine.

Wines of South Africa: Worcester

The Klein Karoo Wine Route in the Southern Cape is considered to be the most diverse South African wine region. It stretches along the Cape Route 62 from Montagu to the Outeniqua and is home to 20 vineries. Dry and harsh conditions in the area are ideal for the production of excellent wines, allowing for the cultivation of healthy vineyards which are largely grown organically.

Wines of South Africa: Paarl

Paarl is another one of the most famous wine-producing areas in South Africa, named after the way rounded granite outcrops on top of Pearl Mountain glisten after the rain. Situated north of Stellenbosch and about 60 kilometres from Cape Town, the area boasts some of the Western Cape's best wineries and a large variety of grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc being the most important ones. Red, white and rosé Paarl’s wine are well recognised among the wine connoisseurs around the world.

Wines of South Africa: Constantia

When it comes to South Africa’s wine-making tradition, Constantia is where it all began. Boasting a history of more than 300 years, the Constantia Valley is the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere, internationally recognised for its world class wines. Its location in the centre of the Cape Peninsula practically makes it Cape Town’s vineyard, with wine farms situated only 10 to 20 minutes from the city centre.

Wines of South Africa: Central Orange River

The Cape’s most northerly wine-growing region stretches along the Orange River. This is predominantly a white grape area which provides an extensive range of dessert wines, semi-sweet wines and blends, though reds are also being increasingly planted. The region is home to Orange River Cellars, South Africa’s largest wine cooperative and the second largest in the world. Having started almost 60 years ago with only three wines produced originally, today the portfolio consists of more than 30 different, award-winning products.