Wine growing regions of South Africa

Landschaft mit Weinfeldern in Südafrika ergänzt mit Namen bekannter Weinanbauregionen

South Africa growing regions and their diverse and award-winning wines

The high-quality, aromatic and well-structured South African wines now go from the Cape to the whole world. But where do these special drops come from, which have found more and more lovers among wine connoisseurs as well as wine novices in the past twenty years? Get the answers here!

South Africa - sustainable wine from around 800 wineries

There are around 800 wineries in South Africa and countless wine cellars to boot. Around 100,000 hectares of prime land is planted with vines, with Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon and Viognier dominating the white grape varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc the red varieties. 950 million liters of wine have been produced each year since 2010, mostly sustainably, and in the case of wines labeled "Wine of Origin Scheme" ("W. O."), it is even possible to trace in detail which region, which district, which winery, and even which site the wine comes from.

B C D E F G H J K M O P R S T U V W

B

C

D

E

F

Franschhoek (45)

G

H

J

Jonkershoek Valley - Stellenbosch (12)

K

M

Malgas (3)

O

Overberg (1)

P

R

Robertson (95)

S

T

U

Upper Langkloof (3)

V

Voor Paardeberg (5)

W

The most important wine-growing regions of South Africa

The most important wine-growing regions of South Africa include the centrally located wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. In the east, the large wine-growing areas of Breedekloof and Robertson can be found, and in the north, Swartland, Olifants River, and Overberg. Around Cape Town, there are also many significant wineries in wine-growing regions such as Constantia.

Landkarte von Südafrika mit südafrikanischen Weinanbauregionen

Stellenbosch – the oldest wine region in South Africa

Almost half of South African wines are now exported, and they come from one of the most picturesque wine regions in the world. Especially in the southeast of South Africa, where the soils are fertile and the Atlantic provides coolness in the vineyards, the large wine-growing areas of South Africa can be found. At the forefront 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

50 kilometres east of Cape Town, the wine region of Stellenbosch produces particularly high-quality premium wines. Each district shines with wines that reflect the unique terroir and are thus distinctive. The Stellenbosch region is home to exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. Notable 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 of Paarl

The wine region of Paarl is also famous for its premium wines, which, like Stellenbosch, is one of the major South African wine-growing areas. Paarl is South Africa's third oldest town and is situated, surrounded by the Drakenstein and Wemmershoek mountains, about 50 kilometres north-east of Cape Town. Viticulture is practised 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 blends and Champagnes from Paarl

The most commonly grown grape varieties in the Paarl wine region include Viognier and Chardonnay among the white varieties, and Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot among the reds. The region is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines, its Bordeaux blends, and its 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 growing region

High-quality Sémillon wines are the specialty of the Franschhoek wine region, located in the southeast of the Paarl wine region. Franschhoek, which translates to "French Corner," is the culinary capital of South Africa, where the charm of the French founders still prevails. In the narrow valley 90 kilometers northeast of Cape Town, surrounded by high mountains, there are many wineries dedicated to the Sémillon grape, which is one of the oldest grape varieties in South Africa.

Franschhoek has vineyards with 100-year-old grapevines

In the wine region of Franschhoek, there are vineyards with vines that are over 100 years old in some cases. Alongside the Sémillon vines, the vineyards of Franschhoek also feature grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Notable wineries include Anthonij Rupert Wines, Boekenhoutskloof, La Petite Ferme, Holden Manz, La Motte, and Colmant.

In Constantia lies the cradle of South African wine production

Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek form the overarching Coastal wine region, which also includes the winegrowing area of Constantia. In the historic town of Constantia stands the cradle of South African wine production. The vineyards of the region, which predominantly have clay soils, lie directly at the foot of Table Mountain and captivate visitors with a breathtaking panorama. The winemakers of Constantia have particularly focused on cultivating white wine varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Among red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Shiraz are preferred by the winemakers. Elegant Bordeaux blends and the famous Vin de Constance come from here and are considered the hallmark of the local wineries. Notable estates include Groot Constantia and Buitenverwachting.

Robertson and the longest wine route in the world

The Robertson wine region is located 160 kilometres east of Cape Town and is part of the larger Breede River Valley wine region. This wine-producing area, which accounts for around 40 per cent of the wines produced in South Africa, is also referred to as the "Valley of Roses and Vines." Here, especially high-quality grape varieties for premium wines are cultivated on the fertile limestone soils, which ensure large harvest yields. Many highly acclaimed wines, which have also received international awards, come from here. The winemakers of Robertson prefer to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Colombard, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. Robertson is also known for its dessert wines. The Robertson Wine Valley on Route 62 is also the longest wine route in the world. Famous wineries along the 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 regarded as the newcomer among the wine-growing areas of South Africa and was one of the first "Cool Climate" regions in South Africa. Located 160 kilometres 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 sub-regions of Bot River, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Sunday’s Glen and Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Milestones in South Africa's wine portfolio

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

Swartland – high-quality wines from the "black land"

The Swartland wine region, which translates to "the black land," got its name from the dark rhino bushes that grow there and shape the landscape. Swartland is located about 70 kilometres north of Cape Town. Over 13 per cent of all South African wines come from the Swartland wine-producing area. In the mild coastal climate, grapes are grown in the fertile soils along the banks of the Berg River and on the barren soils of weathered sandstone, slate and granite on the slopes of the Piketberg mountains, from which Swartland winemakers produce high-quality wines. The vines there are often very old. The winemakers of Swartland particularly focus on the varieties Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz. Notable wineries in Swartland include Allesverloren Wine Estate, Fram Wines, Lammershoek and Mullineux. Among the "young wild" winemakers of the Swartland wine region are Eben Sadie and Adi Badenhorst, who played a key role in the Swartland Revolution.

Elgin Valley - Cool Climate wines and wines in the Burgundy style

The South African wine region Elgin Valley is located about 70 kilometres east of Cape Town and is part of the Overberg wine region. At the heart of the elevated growing area is the sandstone mountain range of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Here, winemakers primarily cultivate Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz vines. High-quality Cool Climate wines and wines in the Burgundy style come from Elgin Valley. Among the well-known winemakers in Elgin Valley are Neil Ellis, Paul Cluver, Richard Kershaw Wines, Spioenkop and Thelema Sutherland.

23 wine routes through South Africa's wine regions

You can explore the South African wine growing regions on 23 wine routes. For the Stellenbosch Wine Route, for example, over thirty wine cooperatives and cellars have joined forces to promote their wines. Important wine routes also include the Elgin Valley Wine Route, Constantia Wine Route, Franschhoek Wine Valley, Klein Karoo Wine Route and the Paarl Wine Route. All of them represent the South African growing regions and their special wines.

Stellenbosch

Franschhoek

Robertson

Paarl

Walker Bay