Coastal Region

The Coastal Region is the cradle of South Africa's wine industry. It includes the well-known areas of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and the Franschhoek Valley.

Since this is a very large region, the climates vary widely. Along the coast, near Cape Town, the oceanic climate is ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc as well as Bordeaux grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot). Inland, near the mountain ranges, the climate is drier. Syrah (Shiraz), Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage (a South African grape variety resulting from a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) are grown there.