Wine Abroad: South Africa

Cape Town, the bustling, legislative capital of South Africa, is the gateway to wine country. There are five major wine producing regions, 20 districts and 600 wineries – more than double the number in 2000 – in South Africa.

For a long time, Pinotage, the country’s native grape and a rich hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, was one of few markers that distinguished South African viticulture. But, in recent years, 40 percent of the vineyards were replanted so the grapes could perform more effectively on a global scale. While these red wine vineyards are quite young – the majority are less than a decade old – the progress has been rewarding.

Due to its long and warm summers, the scenic district of Paarl, 30 miles from Cape Town, is producing increasing amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon with good results. Chenin Blanc, the country’s most widely cultivated grape, yields a variety of wines, from bone dry and sweet to sparkling in all regions where it is planted.

While Worchester has the most vineyard plantings and produces the most wine in South Africa, it is Stellenbosch that has captured the wine world’s heart. Combined with its breathtaking beauty and Cape Dutch architecture, Stellenbosch has the right rainfall, deep, well-drained soils and mountainous terrain to make it a sought-after viticultural area. It produces fine examples of most noble grape varieties and is home to Stellenbosch University, where research into new varietals, clones and rootstocks is done.

Suggested producers: Hamilton Russell, Mulderbosch, Fairview.