The regions of South Africa
Choose a region to read about its wines and explore the smaller growing areas within it.
- 01Breede River Valley5 producersBreede River Valley is a South African wine region surrounded by mountains on three sides. Its districts, Breedekloof, Robertson and Worcester, have different soils and growing conditions. Chenin Blanc is a white grape grown across all three, making dry, sweet and sparkling wines.
- 02Cape South Coast18 producersCape South Coast is a wine region in South Africa's Western Cape, with vineyards influenced by Atlantic weather and wind. The grapes often ripen slowly in its cooler areas. Wines include whites, Pinot Noir reds and sparkling styles, with conditions changing between districts such as Elgin, Walker Bay and Cape Agulhas.
- 03Coastal Region110 producersCoastal Region is a broad wine region in South Africa, covering eight districts including Stellenbosch, Paarl, Swartland and Tulbagh. Soils, altitude and climate vary considerably, so the regional name encompasses many wine styles. A district or ward on the label identifies a smaller growing area.
- 04Klein Karoo1 producerBetween mountain ranges in South Africa, Klein Karoo's vineyards occupy a semi-arid basin from Montagu through Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn to De Rust. Calitzdorp grows Portuguese grapes for fortified wines and dry reds, while Oudtshoorn is associated with semi-sweet and dessert wines made from Muscat.
- 05Olifants River1 producerIn South Africa's northern Western Cape, the Olifants River wine region extends from Lutzville towards Citrusdal Valley. Atlantic breezes cool coastal vineyards, while inland Vredendal is hot and very dry. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz are important red grapes, often making fuller wines inland than near the coast.
- 06Other producers6 producersThese South African producers have no more specific region listed.