The regions of South Africa
Choose a region to read its guide, then move closer through its named subregions.
- 01Breede River Valley5 producersMountains rise on three sides of Breede River Valley, but Breedekloof, Robertson and Worcester have their own soils and conditions. Chenin Blanc appears across the three districts in dry, sweet and sparkling styles, while river-stone valleys, limestone pockets and Worcester's dry interior set them apart.
- 02Cape South Coast18 producersCape South Coast is a region in South Africa's Western Cape, where Atlantic weather, wind and long ripening shape a varied set of wine areas. Cool-climate whites and Pinot Noir sit alongside Mediterranean varieties and sparkling wine, with conditions changing from one district to the next.
- 03Coastal Region110 producersCoastal Region spans eight South African Wine of Origin districts, including Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland and Tulbagh. Soils, altitude and climate shift from place to place, and the regional name covers many wine styles. Look to the district and grape for a more useful clue.
- 04Klein Karoo1 producerSet in a flat, semi-arid basin between major mountain ranges, Klein Karoo runs from Montagu through Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn to De Rust. Portuguese cultivars, Muscadel and other red and white grapes shape its wines, with Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn as useful reference points.
- 05Olifants River1 producerIn the northern Western Cape, Olifants River runs from Lutzville toward Citrusdal Valley. Atlantic influence and riverbank soils shape the growing conditions, while dry Vredendal and the wetter mountains around Citrusdal show how much the region can change from north to south.
- 06Other producers6 producersThese producers are listed here with no more specific region shown.