South African Wine

Whatever your taste, budget or varietal preference, South Africa has it.

Constantia

Constantia is in easily striking distance of Cape Town and is heavily visited by foreigners and locals. It is also one of the most prolific as produced a desert wine (Vin de Constance) in the 18th century was adored by Napolean, Jane Austen, Frederick the Great of Prussia and Louis Phillipe (France). The hype and notoriety of this region may deter those seeking the latest trends, but this region should not be missed.

Constantia is a wealthy suburb of Cape Town and the wineries located this region amount (give or take) eleven. The majority of vines are planted along the slopes of the Constantiaberg mountains which are cooled by the cold southeastern wind that flows from the Atlantic Ocean (known as the Cape Doctor) which lays just west of Constantia. While this region is known for its Vid de Constance, which has been revamped and is still produced to this day, it is the region’s Sauvignon Blanc that today is the best expression of the region. Nearly every winery in the area produce a Sauvignon Blanc and they are all consequential. Not be ignored are the reds produced in the region, which include outstanding Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. One should go to Constantia for the amphitheater like vistas and history, while one should drink its wine because it is exceptional and can compete with wines produced anywhere.

For over four years we lived thirty minutes from Constantia and our daughter went to school in the area. Thus, we visited its wineries often, probably too often. While it is within the City of Cape Town, it certainly has a distinct country feel and is surrounded by nature. We enjoyed learning about outstanding Sauvignon Blancs and the history of the wines produced in the region, but also loved to have a cheese plate and wine tasting while staring at the vine covered mountains. Luckily, many of the wineries in this area are children friendly, which allows one to enjoy a glass of wine while the children play in the lush landscape.

Robertson

Flower lined streets flow into this picturesque wine region that is often overlooked by both locals and the international market. While admittedly there are several wineries in this region that focus on low-cost wine that is drinkable at a braai, this region produces some outstanding high-quality wines that provide the greatest value for the consumer.

Robertson is generally equated with producing white wines. This reputation has merit as it produces outstanding Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays. The shale and alluvial geology of this generally hot region is complimented by the prevalent southeasterly winds that blow cool marine air off the cold Atlantic Ocean. The region delivers limestone infused Sauvignon Blancs that are bright and flinty, but also focused and restrained. The Sauvignon Blancs tend to resemble high quality Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand with a touch of South African fynbos. The Chardonnays can be world class produced in a traditional from single vineyards, but also be outstanding in the form of Methode Cap Classique Brut.

Increasingly, Robertson is being recognized as a producer of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Producers such as De Westof Estate and are producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, while still primarily being identified as white wine producers. Other wineries such as Zandvilet have made Shiraz a focus and have continuous produced excellent vintages. The lack of focus on Robertson’s red wine can result in outstanding value for consumers as one can consume wine whose quality vastly exceeds its cost.

Robertson is generally associated with mass producers and their wineries tend to be housed in trendy buildings that are appealing and result in many visitors. However, the heart of Robertson’s wine producing region is better found in the dusty tasting rooms that line the river or by talking to the knowledgable and extremely friendly representatives found in the valley. For us this region is brings back memories of drinking Sauvignon Blanc in the summer while watching the kids swim as we camped along the Breede River or drinking Sauvignon Cabernet in the winter while looking at the stars through the smoke of a fire. This region is truly special and holds a unique place for us. The wineries are always welcoming, the scenery is exceptional and the value cannot be beat.

Stellenbosch

In terms of volume and reputation, Stellenbosch is the premier wine growing region in South Africa. For many people, this region is the wine capital of South Africa. The vast majority of internationally known wineries are in this area and foreign direct investment is significant as compared to rival domestic regions. At least 130 wineries dot the Stellenbosch area and wines have been produced here for over three hundred years. Stellenbosch is a formidable region for volume, reputation, quality and diversity.

The vineyards of Stellenbosch are extremely diverse and vary by climate, soil and water retention. Stellenbosch is surrounded by the Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein and Franschhoek mountains and the soils vary from sandy to granite. In many ways, the climate of Stellenbosch is similar to that of Bordeaux with hot summers and cool winters. While much of the wine produced from this region simply goes by the name “Stellenbosch”, there are several distinct areas within this region that deserve separate recognition.

Like Napa Valley and Bordeaux, Stellenbosch has several distinct districts with their own microclimates and soils. These districts include (among others) Jonkershoek Valley known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and blends, Simonsberg known for a variety of red varietals, Papegaaiberg known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc and Bottelary which also known for its Chenin Blanc. While the diversity of these regions will delight wine tasters and tourists, the labels of wines from these regions have yet to distinguish between the various districts and are generally simply referred to wine of “Stellenbosch.”

Stellenbosch is a world-renowned wine route in its own right. Its natural diversity includes breath taking mountains and valleys, yet is only approximately 10kms from False Bay. The diversity of wine produced by the diverse districts provides visitors with plenty of options to explore wines that complement their tastes and /or sense of adventure. Stellenbosch is undeniably the most famous wine region in South Africa and along with that connotation comes a number of wineries that cater to tourists. Thus, one should not be surprised to find wineries with Spanish guitars and elaborate water fountains. Nevertheless, with a little effort a distinct and exceptional wine itenary can be created that combines high quality, value and personal experience.

Walker Bay and Hemel-en-Aarde

Hemel-en-Aarde is located within the greater Walker Bay region and is arguably its most prestigious and without argument, its most beautiful. To be blunt, Hemel-en-Aarde is one of the most stunning wine locations in the world. Located mere miles from the Atlantic ocean and the charming town of Hermanus, this location produces outstanding pinot noirs and expansive vistas. Visitors to this region can literally sip coffee in the morning while watching whales breach and then sip world-class pinots in the afternoon.

Hemel-en-Aarde is South Africa’s response to Burgundy as the area is South Africa’s largest producer of pinot noir and its biggest disciple. Unlike California or France in which pinot noir is highly sought after and commands a bit of a premium, South Africans have yet to show the same enthusiasm. However, this is increasingly changing as the country continues to recognize the sheer quality of the pinot noirs made in this area and the country as a whole.

The Walker Bay region is located South East of Cape Town. While Walker Bay and Hemel-en-Aarde are located approximately an hour and a half from Cape Town it feels removed and distinct. The climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Atlantic ocean and the Hemel-en-Aarde region has a distinct maritime feel. Its proximity to Hermanus only intensifies the maritime feel as the town is known for is dramatic rugged views of the ocean and whale migration.

In addition to Hemel-en-Aarde, Walker Bay includes several remarkable wineries and areas. Elgin, a historic apple producing area, has been producing aromatic and complex whites and delicate reds for years. Increasingly, established Stellenbosch brands are sourcing grapes for this region due to the quality and value produced in Elgin. Bot River is another Walker Bay standout that produces quality Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc wines. The cool-climate and ocean breezes associated with all of these regions tend to produce bright and fresh whites and classic red varietals.

Swartland

Swartland is intense. Its weather is generally epitomized by hot and windy days and cool starry nights. The Renosterbos scattered around the region can give it a dark appearance evoking a dark land for which it is named. This region is nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean and is remarkable in its own unique way. It’s dry Malmesbury shale and granite soils and innovative wine producers are responsible for some of the most interesting wines produced in South Africa.

Swartland is a broad region that lies approximately 40 miles (about an hour with modest traffic) north of Cape Town. The Swartland region is broad and covers an area that encompasses vineyards at the foot of the Paardeberg Mountain and towns such as Darling and Malmesbury. This arid region requires the vines to dig deep for water producing low yields and creating concentrated flavors with minimal manipulation. Varietals that thrive in this region, and for which the region is most recognized, include Chenin Blanc and Rhone Varietals. Land in the region tends to be cheaper than the more prominent wine regions in South Africa thereby facilitating experimentation and innovation and allowing self-made wine makers an opportunity to produce their own wine. In this region, you find significantly more wine makers producing natural wines and experimenting with less marketable varietals such as cinsault and pinot gris.

While a favorite for residents of Cape Town and adventures seeking innovative wines and a gate way to the West Coast, the region is seldom marketed outside of South Africa. Visitors will appreciate the retention of its laid back and approachable cellars and tasting rooms. Like the region itself, the wine produced in Swartland is generally consumed domestically, yet it continues to produce some of the most unique and highest quality wines in the country. This harsh and distinctive region is sure to surprise and inspire even the most traveled wine connoisseur.

The wine tends to be the star of Swartland, but it is not the only reason to visit the region. Swartland also features dramatic beaches and clear nights full of stars. In addition to wine, its valleys also produce outstanding olives and olive oil and Swartland is increasingly becoming a craft beer hotspot.