The South African wine industry: 350 years old or 18 years old? The first wine was made here before Samuel Pepys started his diary but, in a bout of entirely understandable revisionism, current thinking is that the industry started at the end of apartheid. Although largely concentrated around the Cape, there is a vast range of climates and ancient soils - even some limestone - to keep everyone happy. There has been a big change in attitude amongst growers and a big shift in which grapes are grown. Inward investment is significant but there is still uncertainty around land reform and security, which are concerns for growers. Generally though, with a growing home market and decent exports, it isn't all doom and gloom by any means. Some fantastic growers working with old vines and poor soils are producing fantastic wines.