South Africa
With over 300 years of wine-making history, you could argue it’s somewhat ironic that South Africa is labeled ‘New World’ in terms of wine, and I suppose it’s for exactly that reason that many critics believe it to be the bridge between the ‘Old’ and the ‘New’.
Vines were first planted in South Africa as early as 1650, by Dutch settlers, however it wasn’t until the French Huguenot refugees arrived in the late 1680s that it really took off, since they brought with them the skill and know how of the might French wine industry.
Today, 55% of the vines planted are white grape varieties, with a heavy bias towards Chenin Blanc. That said, South Africa’s signature grape variety is red – Pinotage. Pinotage is an indigenous crossing of two other grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
To learn more about either of the 3 main regions - Costal Region, Cape South Coast or Breede River Valley - click on their shaded area on the map!
Vines were first planted in South Africa as early as 1650, by Dutch settlers, however it wasn’t until the French Huguenot refugees arrived in the late 1680s that it really took off, since they brought with them the skill and know how of the might French wine industry.
Today, 55% of the vines planted are white grape varieties, with a heavy bias towards Chenin Blanc. That said, South Africa’s signature grape variety is red – Pinotage. Pinotage is an indigenous crossing of two other grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
To learn more about either of the 3 main regions - Costal Region, Cape South Coast or Breede River Valley - click on their shaded area on the map!