Africa may not exactly be synonymous with rolling vineyards, but you’ll be surprised at the wine industry that is found along the southern reaches of the continent. In fact, the South African wine industry is among the largest producers of wine in the world. All the more reason why you simply have to make a point of sampling wine when on tour in South Africa with Expat Explore. Here’s what you need to know when planning to sample wine in the winelands of South Africa.
Related: Discover the top things to do in Cape Town (apart from drinking wine).
Your guide to South African wine
South Africa’s wine industry is more than three centuries old
The very first bottle of wine produced in the Cape can be traced back to 1659. In 1652 Governor Jan van Riebeeck established the Dutch East India supply station in Cape Town, South Africa. A couple of years later vines were imported from Germany, Spain and France and planted in the Company Gardens. About ten years later Simon van der Stel was appointed as governor and winemaking moved to Constantia. Vin de Constance (made from Muscat de Frontignan) was bottled here in the 18th century. The wine reached the likes of Napoleon, Frederick the Great, the King of England, and the King of France. Vin de Constance is still made on the farm today.
Try Pinotage, Chenin Blanc & Cap Classique
When on a South African wine adventure, be sure to try the top 3 wines that you will most definitely be asked about by anyone who knows their wine. These are:
Chenin Blanc
Previously known as Steen, Chenin Blanc holds a special place in South Africa’s wine industry. Once primarily utilised for brandy and fortified wines, it has blossomed into a versatile grape variety, producing a diverse range of high-quality wines. This transformation showcases the remarkable resilience and adaptability of South African winemakers, who honour their heritage while embracing cutting-edge techniques and a pursuit of winemaking excellence.
Pinotage
This unique grape was born from a happy accident in a South African professor’s garden and today it is the country’s signature red wine. With notes of berry, spice, and sometimes even a hint of banana, Pinotage is a must-try for any wine enthusiast exploring South Africa. We highly recommend giving this wine a taste at every encounter so you can experience the versatility of Pinotage (due to wine-making techniques and the terroir it was grown in).
Cap Classique (CC)
Cap Classique, previously known as Méthode Cap Classique or MCC (this term is still used when referring to the production method), is South Africa’s answer to Champagne. This sparkling wine, crafted using the traditional French méthode champenoise, is often produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and sometimes even Chenin Blanc grapes. Offering a diverse range of flavours and a luxurious yet accessible sparkling wine experience with its exceptional quality and competitive pricing, Cap Classique is a true gem on the South African wine scene.
Tasting these three varietals will help you understand the unique taste of South African wine. You’ll also come to learn how the local terroir impacts the overall structure and character of the wines.
Related: Learn more about South Africa’s grape steeped in history – Chenin Blanc.
Many wine farms have excellent restaurants
Go for the wine, stay for lunch (or dinner!). Some of the very best restaurants in South Africa are located on wine farms. Wine farms worth visiting in the area of Stellenbosch, include: House of J.C. Le Roux, Beyerskloof, Hidden Valley Wines, Spier, Blaauwklippen, Babylonstoren, Boschendal, and many more. See where your SA tour itinerary takes you and try to include at least one meal on a scenic wine farm. There are countless to choose from and it’s a wonderfully unique travel experience!
Related: Experience the highlights of Cape Town & the Garden Route on a guided tour.
There are a wide variety of wine festivals to enjoy
Speaking of tasty experiences, try and include a South African wine festival experience into your trip. Use the Top SA Wine Events calendar to check what’s happening in the world of South African wine during the time of your visit. We can highly recommend Wine on the River, Elgin Winter Wine Festival, Franschhoek Uncorked, and the Soweto Wine & Lifestyle Festival. But that is literally just the tip of the iceberg. Make a point of asking your tour leader to find out if there is anything happening during your stay.
You can even take part in immersive experiences
South Africans love to combine wine tasting with the most immersive experiences. You could combine a wine tasting with anything from cupcakes to a mushroom foraging excursion, or opt for a fynbos & wine pairing. You could even run between the vines or taste wine in a cave!
Related: Discover the sights, smells and sounds of South Africa’s top experiences.
And you don’t have to go to a wine farm if you are pressed for time
If you’re in South Africa, you can also taste wine in the major cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg. Make your way to a boutique wine store and ask a wine expert to give you a bit of an introduction to SA wine. They will only be too happy to oblige! After all, they live and breathe the local wine trade. So, if you ever want a solid introduction to South African wine, this is the best place to get it.
In the end, it all comes down to having an open mind and going in with the intent of experiencing something new. The South African winelands will never be the same as those you find in Europe, or the United States, but therein lies the beauty. It is something completely unique.
Make a point of chatting to the wine producers you encounter during your trip to South Africa, and you will find that these makers are as passionate about their craft as any of their global contemporaries. Cheers to unexpected finds in fascinating places!