South Africa Areas

  • Swartland

    A land of old vines, young, ambitious growers and fairly few people. Because Swartland didn`t have the attention and money of Stellenbosch, fewer chemicals were used and less replanting went on so producers like Eben Sadie were able to gain a foothold there and exploit the fantastic material there. (CW 23/01/12)

  • Tulbagh

    An isolated area away from the generality of the Cape and at fairly high altitude, Tulbagh the town is regarded as one of the nicest places in South Africa to live. The main pest is the Baboon, these protected animals love ripe grapes and are determined and ingenious thieves. Mothers throw their babies at electric fences to see if they are working. If they are off the whole tribe will swarm over...

  • Constantia

    Almost a suburb of Capetown itself, Constantia gave its name to a wine that a hundred years ago was one of the most highly prized in the world. Vines were planted in 1685 and the style resurrected by the Klein Constantia estate in the 1990s. (CW 23/01/12)

  • Stellenbosch

    Unofficial capital of the winelands because it is home to the University offering degrees in winegrowing, Stellenbosch is also an important growing region containing many of the icon wines of South Africa. Helped by its popularity as a tourist centre, these wineries have been able to invest and many are able to compete with the best of the New World. (CW 23/01/12)

  • Paarl

    Lying north of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Paarl is home to a large number of wineries. They have unofficially adopted Syrah as the valley`s signature variety but produce a wide range of wines and other produce. (CW 23/01/12)

  • Walker Bay

    On the coast, in fact right on the coast, and a great place to watch whales at the right time of year, Walker Bay/Hermanus is home to a small limestone plate which is the home of the country`s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. (CW 23/01/12)

  • Cape Agulhas

    South Africa`s most southerly and newest wine area, it has some interesting wines and a small number of producers, some making wine from grapes sourced in other areas. As yet it has almost entirely young vines. (CW 23/01/12)

  • Robertson

    There is a valley almost due east of Capetown which isn’t exactly remote, but has a distant feel to it. There are some very good producers here making all styles from sparkling (Methode Cap Classique) to big reds. (CW 23/01/12)