Growing Regions in South Africa

Stellenbosch - the oldest wine region in South Africa

Almost half of South Africa's wines are now exported and they come from one of the most scenic wine regions in the world. Especially in the southeast of South Africa, where the soils are fertile and the Atlantic Ocean provides coolness in the vineyards, are the great wine-growing regions of South Africa. Foremost among them is the Stellenbosch wine region, which with its 170 wineries is not only one of the largest wine regions in South Africa, but also its oldest.

Unique wines from Stellenbosch

Located 50 kilometers east of Cape Town, the Stellenbosch wine region produces particularly high-quality premium wines. Each district shines with wines that reflect the special terroir and are therefore unique. From the Stellenbosch region come special outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. Well-known wineries include Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Warwick Estate, Spier Wine Farm, Asara Wine Estate, Eikendal, La Motte and Simonsig.

Premium wines from the South African wine region Paarl

The Paarl wine region is also famous for its premium wines. Like Stellenbosch, Paarl is one of the major South African wine regions. Paarl is South Africa's third oldest town and is surrounded by the Drakenstein and Wemmershoek mountains about 50 kilometers northeast of Cape Town. Viticulture is practiced here along the rivers in the fertile alluvial soil as well as in the sand of the mountain slopes. The granite-rich clay soil of the Paarl region also produces good wines.

Bordeaux Cuvées and Champagne from Paarl

The most frequently cultivated grape varieties in the Paarl wine region include Viognier and Chardonnay for the white grape varieties and Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the red grape varieties. The region is especially known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines, its Bordeaux cuvees and champagnes. Avondale, Babylonstoren, Fairview Estate, Vondeling Wines and Vrede en Lust are well-known wineries in the Paarl wine region.

High quality Sémillon from the Franschhoek wine region

High quality Sémillon wines are the specialty of the Franschhoek wine region, located in the southeast of the Paarl wine region. Franschhoek, French Angle in German, is the culinary capital of South Africa, where the charm of the French founders still dominates. The narrow valley 90 kilometers northeast of Cape Town, surrounded by high mountains, is home to many wineries dedicated to the Sémillon grape, one of South Africa's oldest grape varieties.

Franschhoek has vineyards with 100 year old vines

The Franschhoek wine region has vineyards with vines, some of which are over 100 years old. In addition to Sémillon vines, Franschhoek's vineyards also feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Well-known wineries include Anthonij Rupert Wines, Boekenhoutskloof, La Petite Ferme, Holden Manz, La Motte and Colmant.

Constantia is the cradle of South African viticulture

Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek form the overarching Coastal wine region, which also includes the Constantia winegrowing area. The historic town of Constantia is home to the cradle of South African viticulture. The vineyards of the regions with predominantly clayey soil are located directly on Table Mountain and captivate with an almost breathtaking panorama. The winegrowers of Constantia have paid particular attention to the cultivation of white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. When it comes to red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz lead the way among winemakers. Elegant Bordeaux blends and the famous Vin de Constance come from here and are considered trademarks of the wineries located here. Well-known wineries include Groot Constantia and Buitenverwachting.

Robertson and the longest wine road in the world

The Robertson wine region lies 160 kilometers east of Cape Town and is part of the overarching Breede River Valley wine region. The wine-growing region, from which around 40 percent of the wines produced in South Africa come, is also known as the "Valley of Roses and Vines". Here, particularly high-quality grape varieties for premium wines are cultivated on the fertile limestone soils, which ensure large harvest yields. Many highly prized wines, which have also won international awards, come from here. Preferably, Robertson winemakers grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Colombard, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc vines. Robertson is also known for its sweet wines. The Robertson Wine Valley on Route 62 is also the longest wine route in the world. Famous wineries on the wine route include Van Loveren, Springfield Estate, Weltevrede Estate, Philip Jonker and Tanagra Winery & Distillery Rooiberg Winery.

Walker Bay and the "Cool Climate" Wines

The Walker Bay wine region is considered THE newcomer among South Africa's wine regions and was one of the first "Cool Climate" regions in South Africa. Located 160 kilometers southeast of Cape Town, around the coastal town of Hermanus, the vineyards are close to the sea and the southernmost point of South Africa, Cape Agulhas. Walker Bay includes the five growing areas of Bot River, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Sunday's Glen and Upper Hemel-en-Arde Valley.

Milestones in South Africa's wine portfolio

In the cool maritime climate of the Walker Bay wine region and on soils of sandstone, clay slate and granite, mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines grow. The vineyards with the arctic southerly winds are also ideal for growing the Burgundy grape varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Famous Walker Bay winemakers include Hamilton-Russell, Ataraxia, Creation Wines, and Bouchard Finlayson, whose wines are milestones in South Africa's wine portfolio. Other well-known wineries also include Whalehaven Wines and Benguela Cove.

Swartland - high-quality wines from the "black country

The wine region Swartland - in German "das schwarze Land" ("the black country") got its name because of the dark rhino bushes that grow there and characterize the landscape. Swartland is located about 70 kilometers north of Cape Town. More than 13 percent of all South African wines come from the Swartland winegrowing region. There, in the mild coastal climate on the fertile soils on the banks of the Berg River and on the poor soils of weathered sandstone, slate and granite on the slopes of the Piket Mountains, the grapes grow from which the winegrowers of Swartland produce high-quality wines. The vines there are often very old. The winegrowers of Swartland rely especially on the varieties Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz. Well-known wineries in Swartland are Allesverloren Wine Estate, Fram Wines, Lammershoek and Mullineux. The "young wild" winemakers of the Swartland wine region include Eben Sadie and Adi Badenhorst, who were instrumental in the Swartland revolution.

Elgin Valley - "Cool Climate" Wines and Burgundy Style Wines

The South African wine region of Elgin Valley is located about 70 kilometers east of Cape Town and is part of the Overberg winegrowing area. At the center of the high-altitude growing area is the sandstone range of the Hotentotts Holland Mountains. Here, the winegrowers cultivate mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz vines. High quality "Cool Climate" wines and Burgundy style wines come from the Elgin Valley. Well-known winemakers in the Elgin Valley include Neil Ellis, Paul Cluver, Richard Kershaw Wines, Spioenkop and Thelema Sutherland.

23 wine routes through South Africa's growing regions

There are 23 wine routes to explore South Africa's wine-growing regions. For the Stellenbosch Wine Route, for example, more than thirty winegrowers' cooperatives and wineries have joined forces to promote their wines. Other important wine routes include the Elgin Valley Wine Route, Constantia Wine Route, Franschhoek Wine Valley, Klein Karoo Wine Route and the Paarl Wine Route. They all represent the South African wine regions and their special wines.