Wines from South Africa

In South Africa, viticulture was introduced in the 17th century by the Dutch. It truly took off in the following century thanks to the arrival of French Huguenots, who were experts in viticulture. The vineyards there were devastated at the end of the 19th century. It was only with the end of apartheid and the opening of South African products—which had previously been boycotted—to international markets that production was able to take off once again.

Today, the vineyards cover approximately 110,000 hectares, located around Cape Town in the south of the country, particularly in the Stellenbosch region. Viticulture was able to take root there thanks to the Benguela Current, which cools the country’s west coast. South Africa has a system of appellations of origin that divides the wine-growing region into wine regions, districts, and estates. The name of a vineyard or its translation cannot be used as a geographical indication; it can only be used as a brand name.
 
Nearly 50 grape varieties are currently grown in South Africa. This great diversity is due not only to the significant climatic differences within the Cape Province but also to the enthusiasm and initiative of winemakers, who are often eager to experiment with new grape varieties. Traditionally, South Africa has primarily produced white wines such as the 2006 Avenir Chenin Blanc or the 2016 Oude Kaap (85%), but this proportion is trending downward due to the growing and nearly exclusive export of red wines (such as the 2017 Columella or the 2006 Avenir Pinotage).

Discover South African wineries: Klein Constantia, Sadie, Man, Alheit.