South Africa is one of the African countries where dreams come true for travellers. Picture beautiful scenery, warm climate, white beaches, good food and great wine – all of this in South Africa. One of the highlights of a visit to South Africa is spending time in at least one of the country’s wine regions.
The wineries in South Africa mostly have a professional range. A visit to this country is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste and enjoy some of their award-winning wines. You’ll also enjoy local sights, monuments and various activities to keep you occupied. With that being said, let’s look at four wine regions in South Africa you should visit in 2023.
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1. Olifants River
Olifants River region. Photo/ Winetourism.com.
The Olifants River is the Northernmost Wine Regions of Western Cape. It stretches from north to south along the valley of the Olifants River. The summer months are warmer in this valley than in the other wine areas in South Africa. The soils here are mainly red earth and lime.
The Pinotage and Shiraz are the most widely spread red-white grapes here. On the other hand, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are the most frequently planted for white wine.
This region had previously fallen into disrepute among wine connoisseurs due to its focus on mass production. However, this is no longer the case because most of wine growers are now accepting smaller yields and focusing on quality.
2. The Coastal RegionÂ
The Coastal Region is the most important region when it comes to South Africa’s premium wine. There is no other area with the greatest concentration of top wineries that concentrate on the quality of their wines than the Coastal Region.
This wine region is internationally recognized as the birthplace of Pinotage grapes. Paarl and Stellenbosch are well-known for their red wines whereas the district of Constantia is famous for producing the Vin de Constance.
The Coastal Region has multifaceted soil, which are very rich in clay. Some of the most famous grapes produced here are Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabarnet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc.
3. Klein Karoo
Klein Karoo region. Photo/ Winetourism.com.
Klein Karoo is a wine-producing region that lies on the eastern side of the Western Cape province. It borders the Breede River Valley and Cape South Coast wine regions. The vineyards here are located particularly high up in Tradouw and Montagu, and can reach up to 700m above sea level. At Klein Karoo, viticulture mainly takes place in the kloofs, valleys and ravines of the rugged landscape.
4. Breede River ValleyÂ
The Breede River Valley is the largest wine-producing region in the Western Cape Province. According to reports, close to 40%Â of the total vines planted in South Africa are in this region. The region has rich soils, which have made it a consumer-oriented supplier for sweet wine.
The Breede River Valley wine region is home to a range of different wineries, including large cooperative wineries and small boutique wineries. The grapes cultivated the most for white wine in the Breede River Valley are Colombard and Chenin Blanc, whereas those cultivated the most for red wines are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Breede River Valley. Photo/ Winetourism.com.
How Many Wine Regions are in South Africa?Â
South Africa has 30 different wine-growing regions. The majority of these regions are on the coast, around Cape Town with Stellenbosch as the center. A smaller part is inland on the Breed River.
What is the Best Wine Region in South Africa?Â
The Cape Winelands region in the Western Cape should be your destination if you want to experience a good range of South African wine. The region comprises of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Worcester and Paarl, where you’ll find some of the most notable wineries in South Africa.
What is the Most Famous Wine of South Africa?Â
Pinotage is South Africa’s flagship grape variety. It’s a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, and is famous for producing red blends with dark, ripe fruit flavors.
What Are the Six Wine Producing Regions of South Africa?Â
The Wine of Origin Scheme was amended on April 2, 1993, to make provision for the definition of geographical units. As of now, six geographical units have been demarcated – Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Limpopo and Kwazulu-Natal.
