Western Cape, South Africa as a Wine Region
Country: South Africa
South Africa as a Wine Country
Capital: Pretoria
Currency: Rand
South Africa
Shop our most popular wine from South Africa
Shop our top rated wine from South Africa
A long history of growing grapes and making wine, but less of a history on exporting it, and even lesser on the quality aspect. At the turn of the century (1900, that is), a surplus of wine in South Africa created a hierarchy of cooperatives, the biggest and best known being KWV. This organization seemed to favor quantity over quality and had most control over wines and vineyards until the late 1980's. Now, with a bit more competition, quality is coming around. Yet, South African wine was not even seen in American wine stores until the mid-1990's – the trade embargo on the country for their racial apartheid laws kept South African wine out of the US. When apartheid fell, so did the embargo, and SA bottles began showing up on US shelves.
Notable Facts
White wine has always been the cash crop of South Africa, with much of it distilled to make brandy. More white than red is planted, much of it the Steen variety – known elsewhere in the world as Chenin Blanc. Good producers are making top quality dry wines from this grape. Another grape gaining some raves is Sauvignon Blanc, producing whites that are dry and crisp, yet rounder than many of its Southern Hemisphere counterparts. For reds, the top grapes are Syrah/Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon (& blends) and Pinotage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends was once the favorite and most-produced, but Shiraz is taking over as wineries crank out high quality wines from the variety. Pinotage, which used to be a grape only your mother could love, has improved dramatically and is often as delicious as it is distinctive. The most popular regions of the country include Stellenbosch and Paarl.
Wines from Western Cape Region
| Wine | £ |
|---|---|
| 2007 Cinsault / Cabernet, Franschhoek Cellars Supple, spicy Cinsault meets juicy blackcurrant-scented Cabernet Sauvignon in this soft, g.. | 6.00 |
| 2005 The Stonewalker, Shiraz/ Cabernet/Mourvèdre, Franschhoek Vineyards Revitalised management at this 60-year-old co-op winery in the Western Cape's idyllic .. | 7.00 |
| 2004 Chenin Blanc, Tierhoek, Piekenierskloof Situated in the western cape and tucked away in the Piekenierskloof mountains (350/400m) t.. | 12.00 |
| 2008 Chenin Blanc, FranschhoekCellars Revitalised management at this 60-year-old co-op winery in the Western Cape's idyllic .. | 6.00 |
| Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Western Cape This Sauvignon Blanc has echoes of white Bordeaux, with its 5% Semillon adding a streak of.. | 9.99 |
| Bellingham 'The Bernard Series' Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2008/2009, Western Cape Bellingham wine-maker Niel Groenewald located an exceptional pocket of old, low-yielding C.. | 8.79 |
| Bellingham 'The Bernard Series' Viognier 2009, Western Cape The grapes are hand picked, hand selected and only the best of the best are allowed to for.. | 8.79 |
| Spier Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Western Cape A pale green Sauvignon Blanc from a large estate that specialises in ecologically sustaina.. | 5.99 |
| Porcupine Ridge Syrah Viognier 2008/2009, Western Cape From top South African producer Boekenhoutskloof comes this sensational red from the fashi.. | 6.39 |
| Zalze Pinotage 2009, Western Cape This is a subtle and stylish wine with intense plum, mulberry and black fruit flavours. Ma.. | 4.99 |
| La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Western Cape This is a lively, zesty Sauvignon Blanc bursting with apple characters which are quickly f.. | 7.59 |
| Beyerskloof Reserve Pinotage 2007, Western Cape Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, traditionally known as Hermitage, and.. | 7.99 |
| Barista Pinotage 2009, Western Cape From the Val de Vie wine estate in the heart of the cape winelands, where wine production .. | 5.99 |
| 2005 The Stonewalker, Shiraz/ Cabernet/Mourvedre, Franschhoek Vineyards Revitalised management at this 60-year-old co-op winery in the Western Cape's idyllic Fran.. | 6.64 |
| 2004 Chenin Blanc, Tierhoek, Piekenierskloof Situated in the western cape and tucked away in the Piekenierskloof mountains (350/400m) t.. | 10.99 |
| 2008 Chenin Blanc, FranschhoekCellars Revitalised management at this 60-year-old co-op winery in the Western Cape's idyllic Fran.. | 5.99 |
| 2009 Chenin Blanc, Freedom Cross, Franschhoek Cellars Revitalised management at this 60-year-old co-op winery in the Western Cape's idyllic Fran.. | 5.50 |
| 2007 Cinsault / Cabernet, Freedom Cross, Franschhoek Cellars Supple, spicy Cinsault meets juicy blackcurrant-scented Cabernet Sauvignon in this soft, g.. | 5.99 |
| 2009 The Beach House White, Sauvignon/Semillon, Douglas Green, Western Cape Douglas Green began his business with the purchase of the Forrer brother's Stukvat liquor .. | 6.99 |
| Boukenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2008/2009, Western Cape This is an exciting blend of 5 different grape varieties. While being predominantly Syrah .. | 19.99 |
Hotels on map
| Hotel | £ |
|---|---|
| At Sunbird Place At Sunbird Place is in a quiet and beautiful suburb in Hermanus. It is a 2 minute drive.. | 25.00 |
| Overzee Guesthouse beautifull loghome, overlooking the indian Ocean situated in a quit suburb of Mossel Ba.. | 43.00 |
| Manor on the Bay Manor on the Bay Guesthouse is a 1862 Manor house situated on the white beaches of peac.. | 80.00 |
| Chartfield Guesthouse Chartfield Guesthouse evokes the spirit of a time when everything was done with a littl.. | 57.00 |
| Penny lane lodge Penny lane lodge is situated in the beautiful town of Somerset West, with magnificient .. | 37.00 |
| Hide-Away Guest House To ensure your stay is relaxing and memorable in enchanting Knysna, the owners of Hide-.. | 36.00 |
| Hillcrest Self-Catering Jeffreys Bay is a year round fun place to be and known for its world famous waves at Su.. | 29.00 |
| Beachview Country Guest House Country atmosphere with good bathing beaches, proximity to game parks, angling, surfing.. | .00 |
| Greenways Hotel 5-Star Greenways Hotel is an ideal choice for guests seeking a sophisticated quiet hote.. | 159.00 |
| 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa Just 15 minutes from the world-renowned VandA Waterfront, and a stones throw from some .. | 305.00 |
| Al Villa Romantica Spectacular Views, Location, Location, Location. Beach,mountain,vibrant Camps Bay and C.. | 87.00 |
| Stellenbosch Hotel Enjoy old world charm with air-conditioned modern comforts and friendly, attentive hosp.. | 45.00 |
| 5 SEASONS As soon as you set foot into our guesthouse, you will realize something special: the ex.. | 45.00 |
| Dongola House Dongola House ist ein Gstehaus in dem Kapstadter Vorort Constantia, in einer ruhigen La.. | 57.00 |
| Lady Hamilton Situated in the leafy suburb of Gardens, right behind the Mount Nelson hotel and painte.. | 61.00 |
| LourensRiver Guesthouse B&B AccommodationOur family-run, beautiful Guesthouse in peaceful settings is ideally locat.. | 42.00 |
| Cape Town Lodge Hotel Cape Town Lodge Hotel is situated on the fringe of Cape Towns CBD and has easy access t.. | 47.00 |
| Fountains Hotel Feel the heartbeat of Cape Town at the newly refurbished Fountains Hotel in the city ce.. | 90.00 |
| The Tulip Hotel Overlooking the rhythm and soul of Cape Towns city centre, only a short walk from the V.. | 61.00 |
| GoCape Apartments Gocape offers several Apartments in Cape Town. Bachelor, 1 bed, 2, bed, 3 bed and up to.. | .00 |
| Rosedene Lodge Rosedene Lodge composes of luxury 4-star guestshouse accommodation in Sea Point. Compro.. | 77.00 |
| Realou Indulge in luxury accommodation, a blissfully relaxing bed, internationally acclaimed c.. | 50.00 |
| Basse Provence Guest House Basse Provence Country Guest House is a four star, luxury bed and breakfast accommodati.. | 58.00 |
| Hôtel Le Vendôme A warm introduction to the world of our luxury boutique hotel awaits you. Our staff is .. | 162.00 |
| Vierlanden Garden Cottage Vierlanden is conveniently close to Cape Town, the magnificent winelands, pristine whit.. | 50.00 |
| west beach guest house Westbeach Guest House lies in a very up-market area around Table Bay. Beautiful beaches.. | 50.00 |
| Baviana Beach Lodge Situated on the West Coast and an hours drive from Cape Town. Baviana Beach Lodge is th.. | 47.00 |
| Haus Holzapfel Your German hosts Marion and Zwingli have created a charming home with a beautiful gard.. | 36.00 |
| The Royal Hotel Situated at the very heart of Riebeek Kasteel, The Royal offers superlative comfort in .. | 61.00 |
