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…
View RegionWestern 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…
View RegionProducts from this country
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View moreAfrikan Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
South AfricaExcellent value light and fruity Sauvignon Blanc from Bergsig Estate winery.
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View moreStarlight Brut NV
South AfricaStarlight Brut is a new innovation form Villiera. Renowned for their pioneering efforts, Villiera…
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View moreThe Liberator Syrah
South Africa‘The Liberator’ - aka Rick - is the alter ego of Master of Wine…
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View moreThe Liberator Chenin Blanc
South Africa“For those commentators content to view South African Chenin Blanc as the primary source…
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View moreAfrikan Ridge Merlot
South AfricaA nice alternative to entry level Chilean Merlot - a smooth well balanced wine…
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View moreAfrikan Ridge Chenin Blanc
South AfricaGood value, entry level Chenin Blanc showing nice fruit and balance.
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View moreSimon & The Huguenots Sauvignon/Semillon
South AfricaThe wine's name references two important aspects of the history of South African wine…
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View morePlanet Bee Chenin Blanc
South AfricaFriends of the Honey Bee Did you know that bees pollinate over two thirds…
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View moreAfrikan Ridge Pinotage
South AfricaFrom the cool climate region of the Breede River Valley, Afrikan Ridge wines are…
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View moreVasco 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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View moreAbraham and The Heretics Pinotage
South AfricaAbraham Izak Perold created the Pinotage varietal by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Infamously…
