The industry in brief
South Africa has become the world's 9th largest wine producer, with over 800m litres representing 3.1% of total global output. South Africa has around 560 wine cellars and over 4,000 producers of wine.
The winemaking history of South Africa dates back more than 3 centuries - and in fact, 2009 saw us celebrating 350 years of wine-making! - it reflects the country's apartheid past, but also shines with the potential and expectation of the modern wine world. The South African wine industry reflects the classicism of the Old World of France, Germany and Italy, but is also influenced by the contemporary fruit-driven styles of the New World.
This rare combination creates wines which are complex yet accessible, eloquently expressing the unique terroir and people of the Cape.
The Cape wine-growing areas mainly have long, sun-drenched summers and this ensure grapes with enough sugar to provide excellent wines year after year. Wet winters with cool sea breezes and temperatures of 0-10°C also contribute to the ideal conditions for viticulture at the Cape.
The Cape Winelands is the largest wine producing region in the Western Cape and about 834 million litres of wine are produced annually. With a selection of over 200 cellars to choose from, you are guaranteed to taste some of the finest wines in the world.
There are over twelve wine routes in the Cape and all of them are within an hours drive from Cape Town. Each of them offers something different and unique in terms of landscape, wine, food and culture. You will be spoilt for choice between small, boutique wineries and the larger, more commercial wine estates.
In South Africa, various competitions such as Veritas, Top Ten Pinotages and the annual John Platter Guide's five-star ratings have, over time, identified the consistently better performers.
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