Despite being a “New World” country, South Africa has been producing wine for over 350 years, making it one of the oldest New World wine countries on the planet. It was Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India company that first bought winemaking to the Cape back in 1655, having recognised the potential in the region’s soils and climate.
Initially, the wines that were being produced weren’t great and were mostly used for local consumption and supplying Dutch ships. But eventually more settlers from Europe arrived – notably the French Huguenots – bringing with them winemaking knowledge and expertise, as well as new grape varieties. Unsurprisingly, wine quality improved.
In 1795 the British invaded, rapidly expanding production and the exportation of South African wines across the globe, especially to a thirsty Britain. Unfortunately, as British trade with France began to increase, South African wine exports subsequently decreased. Throw in the arrival of phylloxera and the scene was set for a failing South African wine industry.
In response to this oversupply problem and a general lack of consistency in producing quality wine, a number of government-backed cooperatives – most notably the KWV – were set up with the aim of regulating wine production throughout the country. Sadly, the industry didn’t exactly flourish during this period, with strict rules and regulations on just about everything, but it’s thought that many old vineyards would have been lost completely without this intervention.
In 1997, after the country had transitioned from apartheid to democracy, the government ordered a number of reforms for the wine industry, effectively dismantling the KWV and its control over production. It was at this time that winemakers were once again able to focus on quality without worrying about restrictions, and the country began producing the remarkable South African wines we know and drink today.
Interestingly, South Africa’s vine growing regions are located between 27° and 34° south of the equator, suggesting that grapes grow in really quite a hot climate, which can be problematic. However, cooling influences such as the Benguela Current which flows up from Antarctica and the strong “Cape Doctor” winds that blow through the cape successfully cool the vineyards, allowing the grapes to ripen whilst retaining their acidity and all-important finesse.
Due to its varied terroir and climate, South Africa can grow a diverse range of grape varieties in a range of styles. From stunning Chenin Blanc, that rival those of the Loire, to the uniquely South African Pinotage, a crossing of Pinot Noir x Cinsault (formerly Hermitage), as well as international varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, and some truly spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.
Not only are a wide range of South African wines available – owing to the climate, terroir and diverse range of grape varieties – but they also offer excellent value for money. With favourable land, labour, and production costs, the wines of South Africa are often very reasonably priced when we consider the quality of the wine.
With a new generation of winemakers constantly innovating and making improvements, South African wines are only going to get better and better.
Looking to explore South African wines?
Browse our full range of delicious South African wines from top estates. We stock a large representation from world leading wineries such as Wildekrans, Vondeling, Meerlust and Vilafonte.
