Explore Top 7 Wine districts in South Africa: South Africa Itinerary

Stellenbosch, photo courtesy of Stellenbosch Wine Routes/WOSA

South Africa is undoubtedly an abode to the world’s most beautiful wine districts if you consider the massive mountains, rolling hills, indigenous vegetation, and verdurous vines cut by meandering rivers or majestic bays. With over 250,000 acres of vines spreading across a wide range of wine-growing areas–within the Western Cape region alone–it’s easy to get immersed in the vast array of South Africa’s wine choices. Explore top wine districts of the country and feed your wanderlust with these wine-beauties.

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Franschhoek

Located about an hour distance from the east of Cape Town, this wine region was established in 1688 by French Huguenots. Most of the original Cape Dutch-style farms and houses of that time are well-preserved throughout the district.

Franschhoek is surrounded by three mountains—Wemmershoek mountains, Groot Drakenstein, and Franschhoek mountains. The region is hot, but the mountains keep it cool by providing shade and protection and trapping cool southerly wind. This kind of weather is suitable for growing a variety of grapes, including the Bordeaux variety. The region is also famous for producing Methode Cap Classique Sparklers.

Franschhoek has plenty of trendy restaurants; hence, it is described as the gourmet capital of the winelands. And, it’s a very easy day trip from Cape Town.

Stellenbosch

Only 45 miles away from the east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the country’s leading wine region. The region was established at the end of the 17^th century, and the contemporary Cape Dutch architectures are still intact. Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest settlement and home to many renowned viticulture and oenology research centres and institutes.

The climate and the different array of soils provide a unique condition for growing delicious grapes. While the granite-based soils in the east are suitable for the production of fine red wines, the sandstone soils in the west are suitable for white wines.

Stellenbosch is bordered by various mountains, which create a mesmerizing scenario. The wine route, which takes the visitors through different trails, is well marked out. The region consists of several sub-districts, and the geology is quite complex here.

Elgin

Rested in the heart of Hottentots Holland Mountains, Elgin is an hour journey road trip from southeast of Cape Town. Though it is the home to only 1900 acres of vineyards, the region is famous for some delicious grape-varieties unique to that region.

The region is close to False Bay; thus, the ocean breezes contribute to tempering the climate and create a favourable maritime environment that provides a longer natural hang time of the grapes without the risk of over-ripening them.

Elgin’s most widely planted variety is Sauvignon Blanc. Apart from that, the district is also famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Interest in Riesling is also growing in recent times. The most appealing tourist attraction of Elgin is its cool-climate, earthy and peppery Syrah offerings.

Swartland

About an hour’s drive from northeast of Cape Town, Swartland is traditionally a grain-producing area. But in the summer, the district is covered by green vineyards clambering up the foothills of the mountains—Picketberg, Porterville, Riebeek, and Perdeberg—and along the banks of the Berg River. Swartland, the name literally translates ” the black land,” which refers to the dark colour caused by the now endangered indigenous renosterbos (rhino bush).

The region was traditionally a source of full-bodied red wines and high-quality fortified wines, overshadowed by the other historic wine-growing areas. But everything has changed after the Swartland revolution programmed by like-minded wine producers. The revolution ends in 2015 but resumes its activities as Swartland Independent Producers (SIP) and organizes its Swartland Independent Heritage Festival to make people understand the worth of the land.

Swartland produces some award-winning wines, both red and white. The district produces top port style wines like Pinotage, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Paarl

Paarl is located about 35 miles from Cape Town, north of Stellenbosch, has a rich winemaking history. The region was once home to the headquarters of KWV, the historic government-sponsored wine co-operative that dominated the country’s wine scenario until the early 1990s.

The Berge River running through the district, flanked by Groot, Drakenstein, and Wemmershoek mountains, are life-giving elements for best-quality wines.

A wide range of grapes are grown here—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc grow with the best potential. Apart from that, Paarl is also home to significant amounts of Merlot and Cinsault, growing in popularity.

Walker Bay

Apart from being the most stunning district of South Africa, Walker Bay is also one of the country’s coolest wine-growing areas. The district is 60 miles away from Cape Town and surrounded by the seaside town of Hermanus.

As the district is situated around a bay, the land’s maritime climate makes it suitable for the production of fresh, well-balanced wines. Also, the soils, specifically weathered shales and terroir, are also ideal for cool-weather-loving varieties.

Walker Bay is well known for the fantastic and consistent quality of its Pinotage. Fine samples of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Shiraz are also produced in this area.

Robertson

Robertson, also known as the “Valley of vines and roses,” is home to around 32000 acres of vines. About 2 hours drive from east of Cape Town, this district is located near the Breede River. Along with the cool southern winds, the river makes the climate suitable for some fine wine growth.

The region is famed as white wine territory and renowned for its Chardonnays and recently for its Sauvignon Blanc. The place is also home to Cape’s finest red wines, especially Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its calling-card, distinctive fortified dessert wines, is still continued to be produced.