South African Wine

South Africa is known as a new wine country. It actually has a winemaking tradition dating back three centuries… but that’s still considered new in the wine world! Recent years have seen South Africa establish itself as a must-watch nation for wine – it ranks sixth in the world for exports and eighth in production – and it’s developed a strong reputation for exciting, dynamic winemaking and top value.

The origins of South African wine trace back to the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company established the first vineyards in the Cape of Good Hope. While South Africa faced social and economic challenges that affected wine production and trade during the Apartheid years, the country has since been through a revival. It is now one of the most popular New World wine producers.

Most of South Africa’s wines are enjoyed locally – around 80% – but there’s a rising interest in South African wines worldwide, thanks to their fruit-forward taste, ease of drinking and affordability.

Many of South Africa’s wine regions have a warm climate similar to the Mediterranean, coupled with diverse soils. This setting is great for growing grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah (or Shiraz), Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cooler areas in the west, influenced by sea breezes, are now gaining attention for their wonderfully intense red and white wines.

Most of South Africa’s wine comes from the Western Cape. Key subregions here include:

• Stellenbosch: Set against the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s best-known wine areas. Its varied geography and climate means it supports many grape types. Notable red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, while Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are among the whites. The wines typically have intense flavours and are well-balanced.
• Paarl: North of Stellenbosch is the hot dry region of Paarl, which grows many of the same varieties as Stellenbosch. However, Paarl is noted for Pinotage – a native South African grape variety made by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault – and is known for its rich, full-bodied Chardonnay.
• Franschhoek: Known for its picturesque vineyards and French Huguenot heritage, this Western Cape region has a cool climate that's perfect for growing elegant, aromatic grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. It also makes refreshing méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
• Constantia: One of South Africa's oldest wine-producing areas, Constantia is famed for Vin de Constance – a sweet dessert wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes. This region is also known for its elegant Bordeaux red blends and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
• Breede River Valley: This region’s hot, humid climate is a result of its position tucked away in the mountains. Lacking cooling sea breezes, Breede River Valley creates bold reds like Shiraz.
• Swartland: A relative newcomer, Swartland is a wine region known for its warm climate and unique old-vine wineries. North of Cape Town, this region creates diverse wines, from bold red blends to aromatic white wines like Chenin Blanc and Viognier.

Walker Bay and Klein Karoo are other regions worth noting. With its maritime climate, Walker Bay is home to successful Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. A semi-desert wine region, Klein Karoo is home to elegant Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Pinotage is South Africa’s hallmark red grape and the second most popular variety grown. Native to South Africa, it was created in the mid-1920s by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. An easy-drinking option, it’s often described as bright and earthy, with juicy red and black fruit flavours and smoky aromas of rooibos tea and pipe tobacco. What it lacks in acidity, it makes up for with big, bold tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are also famous South African reds. Both produce juicy, full-bodied red wines, although they are commonly blended to make complex wines with their signature green bell pepper flavour. Full-bodied Syrah wine has become more popular in recent years, but some wineries label it “Shiraz” after the Australian style.

South African white wine also deserves attention with Chenin Blanc taking centre stage. Often called ‘Steen’ locally, it is the country’s most widely cultivated grape variety, making up one-fifth of all vineyard plantings. Grown mostly in the Paarl region, Chenin Blanc is a versatile white with flavours of pear, yellow apple and ginger that can be made in a range of styles – still or sparkling, dry or sweet.

Creamy Chardonnay and zesty Sauvignon Blanc are other popular white varieties, with the two sometimes blended in experimental winemaking, occasionally with Riesling.

A hearty, robust Pinotage is the ideal companion for grilled foods. Think sizzling lamb chops and succulent steaks that stand up to the wine's bold flavours and tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz also play well with grilled meats, though they have a versatility that extends to other dishes. Consider pairing with hearty fish such as grilled tuna steaks, or enjoy alongside the rich umami flavours of earthy vegetables such as aubergine and mushrooms.

For a casual night in, a pizza loaded with toppings makes for a great match. Chenin Blanc’s light, fruity flavours make it a versatile choice for any number of dishes. For a simple yet delicious pairing, serve a glass of Chenin with chicken or pork covered in a creamy sauce. The subtle flavours of the meat and the sauce’s richness work well with the wine’s profile. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of seafood, consider shellfish dishes such as delicate white crab or decadent lobster.

Discover more tasty food and wine pairings.