The World’s Best Wine Region
South Africa is improving its wine production as it emerges from the shadow of Apartheid. These wines typically offer good value at all quality levels. Despite being categorized as a "new world" region, South Africa frequently produces wines that are beautifully balanced between new-world and old-world flavors. Watch out for reds made from Pinotage, South Africa's "own" grape variety, which produces distinctive wines with earthy, gamey flavors that frequently have a savory, cheesy edge. The most well-known areas are Constantia, Paarl, and Stellenbosch, while cooler areas like Walker Bay are starting to draw interest.
The first vineyards in South Africa were planted in Constantia, which is tucked away in the affluent southern suburbs of Cape Town and is currently seeing a little rebirth. The vineyards are perfectly situated on the Constantia Mountain slopes, where they are kept cool by the sea breezes, and the area is also picturesque. Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Buitervenwachting, Constantia Uitsig, and Steenberg are the only five good estates in this area.
Well known region north-west of Cape Town, and home to several leading producers, including Veenwouden, Nederburg, Fairview, Glen Carlou, and Plaisir de Merle. Historically a white wine region, it is now concentrating increasingly on red wines due to its terroirs and Mediterranean climate. The best wines come from the vines that are higher up since the region is hotter than Stellenbosch.
