Partners: GoodsFromJapan | JapanVisitor | PortugalVisitor

South African Culture: South African Wine

Guide to Wine in South Africa

Since the lifting of trade restrictions on South Africa more and more quality wines from the country have been making their presence felt in liquor stores and supermarkets all over the world. While they may be categorised as 'New World' wines the grape has a history in the region dating back to 1659. With this rich heritage and knowhow it is no surprise that wines from the vineyards surrounding Cape Town and further afield represent some of the best value of any grog going.

The best news for the wine enthusiast coming to the Rainbow Nation is that the doors to the country's best vineyards are very much open and awaiting your nose. The most productive regions can be found in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia but with the industry booming there are cooler regions such as Walker Bay also coming to the fore.

Constantia itself can be found in the well-to-do southern suburbs of Cape Town and is home to the first ever vineyards planted in the country. With history on its side Constantia also enjoys cool sea breezes which wash over the grapes planted on the slopes of mountain which shares the area's names. All five estates in Constantia are worth a look so don't be shy and take your tastebuds along to Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Buitervenwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg.

To the east of Cape Town is Stellenbosch, without doubt the country's leading wine producing area. The university town enjoys a relaxed feel despite a large population. Well marked out wine routes for tourists can be found in the neighbouring mountains. The complex geology means the granite-based soils of the east produce fine reds while the sandstone soils to the west are suited to whites.

Paarl is situated north-west of Cape Town and is home to big producers such as Veenwouden, Nederburg, Fairview, Glen Carlou and Plaisir de Merle. Paarl has a long tradition of producing whites but in recent times the focus has shifted towards reds. A fair bit hotter than Stellenbosch so the more elevated vines really have the ability to produce the goods.

To the east of Stellenbosch the newish cool-climate region of Elgin can be found. Fruit is the main product in the farms but some very fine vines have popped up in the elevated altitude. Leading producer Paul Cluver has operations here and 12 more growers have plans to bottle in the area in the near future.

Franschoek is a small but productive region set in Drakenstein mountains, inland a little west of Stellenbosch. A rich variety of soils and regular rainfalls give Franchoek enough quality wine to compliment its rightful title of the Cape Region's gourmet capital. Within easy distance of Cape Town for a rewarding day trip.

The Robertson region can be found 120km east of Cape Town and despite its warm climes it is best known for its production of whites. De Wetshof, Springfield and Graham Beck all bottle in Robertson. Next door to Robertson is Worcester where several large cooperatives produce competitive reds and whites.

Another region given over to cooperatives is Swartland, a large area to the north of Cape Town. With such light rainfall producers must all dig in to support the large irrigation network.

Finally Walker Bay on the Whale Coast south of Cape Town is one of the recent success stories of South Africa's wine industry. The area still cannot boast a wide range of producers but the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc of Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson are making people stand up and take notice.

Now you know where to find the good grog why not get yourself on a tour and take in the delightful sights and more importantly tastes of South African wine. Tours of all the areas above are readily available and here's a few things to consider before setting out.

Car rental is affordable in South Africa and offers can be found in our South Africa car hire section. Credit cards will be accepted at most places with petrol stations one notable exception. Wineries by and large only charge a modest tasting fee and guest houses are well equipped for tourists in all areas. Another plus is most of the restaurants in the winelands will allow you bring your own wine and charge a nominal corkage fee.

One purchase that see you one step ahead of the game is an up-to-date copy of John Platter's annual South African Wine Guide . The book lists every winery, with visiting details, and reviews and marks for every South African wine.

To whet the appetite why not consider a trip to one or more of following wineries whilst in South Africa.

South African Wineries

Vergelegen
Open 9.30-1600
tours 10.30 11.30 1500

Avontuur
open 1000-16.30

Blaauwklippen
0900-1700
tours 1100, 1500

Delheim Winery
09.00-17.00
tour 14.30 Mon-Fri (10.30 Sat)

Warwick Estate
tasting 08.30-16.00

Fairview
tasting 08.30-17.00 (Saturday 08.30-13.00)

Beaumont Wines
Tasting 09.00-12.30 13.30-16.30 Mon-Fri

Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Tasting 09.00-17.00 (Sat 09.00-13.00)

Flight Tickets

Expedia has good flight deals and flight, hotels and car hire packages for South Africa.

"The Onside In-Site" Copyright © From 2000. All rights reserved. Soccerphile Ltd.