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 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 again.

Today, the vineyards cover approximately 110,000 hectares of vineyards, located around Cape Town in the south of the country, and 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 vineyard 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 Avenir Chenin Blanc 2006 or the Oude Kaap 2016 (85%), but this proportion is declining due to the growing and almost exclusive export of red wines (such as the Columella 2017 or the Avenir Pinotage 2006).

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