Best Vineyards in South Africa

The South African wine region possesses some of the finest wines in the world. While you can’t currently visit South Africa to sample the wines you can learn more about these fantastic vineyards and be inspired for a future trip.

This growing region not only provides great wines but a place to unwind. A wonderful experience for visitors with a love for the beautiful landscape. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a person who knows absolutely nothing about wines, the wine country of South Africa is a fascinating place. South Africa is the origin of vineyards planted by Jan Van Riebeeck while establishing a position in the region for the Dutch East India Company.

South African Wine Regions:

The majority of wine production is centered around Cape Town with Worcester, Constantia, Stellenbosch, and Paarl as primary producers. Wine is placed into categories or wards. These wines are developed with specific climates or grown in designated soil. These wines are given the same protection, relative to their geographical origin equitable to those in Europe, assuring customers of quality.

In 1973 the Wine of Origin Scheme was installed. When the term ‘Wine of Origin’ or the abbreviation ‘W. O.’ appears together with the name of a production area, such as Stellenbosch, Durbanville or Robertson on a label, it confirms that 100% of the grapes from which the wine is made, comes from that specific demarcated area.

The region also develops what is recognized as “Estate Wines”, these are produced on farms located in the immediate region with on-site production.

Upon entering the winery’s, you discover a friendly atmosphere matched with an odd time change. You are clearly in the present, yet the storage of wine places you in the presence of great wine producers of yesteryear. You, for a time, become a part of the history of the winemaking community, while absorbing the restful beauty of the land.

The process has taken centuries to develop and many generations contributing to the process. This is one reason winemaking is such a special talent in the area.

Cape Winelands:

If you are up for a lovely drive you will find the Winelands just 30 to 40 miles outside of Cape Town. A visit to this area is a wonderful way to fill an afternoon or night with beautiful scenery. Although the Cape Winelands began production in 1659 with Jan van Riebeeck, they grew, even more, when Simon van der Stel purchased more land (1900 acres) and set out to cultivate a better grade of wine.

It is his efforts that established the “Constantia Estate”. Nevertheless, like many things for many years after his demise, interest in the estate wavered and the property fell into distress. The property remained dormant for almost 100 years before it was revived by Hendrik Cloete, in 1778.

The production of wine was not always a welcome event in the region. At one point, there was such a heavy, and unsaleable production of wine it was poured into the waters of South Africa, with over a million active vines in the region the government found it necessary to establish a board to control the quality, production, and price of wine in the Cape’s Wineland. Hereby, the KWV was formed, or Kooperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-AfrikaBpkt in 1918.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch as the honor of being one of South Africa’s top-rated wine producers. The product is accessible for purchase online. So, people around the globe can obtain access to this delicious brand. However, when people think of great wine Franschhoek is never left out of the equation. These two viticulture experts are joined by others in the region.

Franschhoek

Franschoek is a wine valley with a long list of great winery’s occupying its landscape. The land is fertile, assisting the production of Semillion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Merlot.

Paarl

Paarl is a lovely area of South Africa known for its production of the Shiraz wine. The location of the winery is quite suitable for the growth of the grapes that produce Shiraz. They are also producers of Viognier, Chenin, Mourvèdre, Chardonnay, and Pinotage.

Other Winelands in South Africa

The South African wine market does not end with the above mentioned but has much more to offer; for example:

– Swartland proudly displays 51 spectacular red wines. Located in one of the best growing regions of South Africa. This winery has no problem producing excellent wines.

– Walker Bay Wine Estates is just a one hour drive from Cape Town. The seaside town is cool, and the vineyards get plenty of moisture. The sea breeze provides a nice cool climate for grapevines. In addition, you can go swimming, fishing or for a boat ride while enjoying the winery.

– Elgin develops strong, healthy vineyards, due to a spectacular climate. The growing season is especially kind to the harvest of grapes. The wine quality is wonderful and steadily getting better. In summer, the wine country is a most pleasant place to visit. The opportunity to meet new people with like-minded interests is always nice, and getting a great bottle of wine adds to a pleasant outing.

– Hermanus is a center for wine tours and the coastal region also provides whale watching and boat cruises. This area of the Winelands is beautiful. Stop during January for the Pinot Noir Celebration. Whether visiting in the summer or winter there is plenty to keep you entertained.

– Wellington Wine Farms have developed fine wine beverages for over 110 years. The longevity of the product speaks volumes. Spend time at the “Monthly Moonlight Market” as a treat to yourself after a long work week.

Famous South African wines:

Red wines:

• Shiraz
• Cabernet sauvignon
• Cinsault
• Pinot noir
• Cape’s own, Pinotage.

White wines:

• Chenin blanc
• Sauvignon blanc

Wine tasting & Tours in South Africa:

Franschhoek, a long-standing member of Cape town’s flourishing wine industry offers visitors the wonderful experience of the Franschhoek wine tram. Visitors can survey a great many wine properties on this vehicle without time limitations. Whilst on the tour you can stop off to enjoy wine tastings at various stops.

The wineries of South Africa are lovely places to visit. Grapevines are planted with care making the landscape a beautiful sight to look upon. Some stretch for long distances and offer clients access to tasting rooms designed for relaxation. It is possible to see or taste wines centuries old. Learn how to savor the smell and taste of an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinotage.

Other Activities in the Winelands:

A favorite stop is the Haute Cabriere winery with a tasting room neatly tucked into what seems like a cave that opens onto the expanse of the Winelands. Here the Pinot and Chardonnay are deliciously interesting. Do not allow yourself to miss out on seeing Delaire Graff while making a tour of the wine country. This estate is very much of interest since it offers visitors a spa, restaurant, wine tasting, and Jacuzzi. Stay a full day or half and treat yourself to a pampered wine tasting experience.

Before leaving try to visit: Delheim, Nederberg, or Meerendal. These highly cultivated Wineland properties will not disappoint. Here in the Wineland wonderful Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir are developed and old to the world at amazing prices. However, to miss visiting one of these estates is almost iniquitous.

People travel from everywhere to get a look at the gorgeous views offered by the South African Winelands. The wines are sold throughout the world and the internet makes it easy for people unable to travel to South Africa to experience the fine wine of the South African Winelands. However, if the opportunity presents itself do not miss seeing these lovely venues in South Africa.

You can discover the wine regions of South Africa with Ntaba African Safaris. Contact us if you would like to explore this region.