By Jesica Vargas
Wine Enthusiast Writer at Large and reviewer of wines from Latin America and Africa.

Among the world’s top ten wine producers, South Africa is a hidden gem of fascinating wines. The first vines were planted in the mid-1600s, but the country has only experienced a renaissance in the wine industry over the past two decades. A mix of Old and New World styles results in wines with extraordinary complexity, cultivated on ancient soil.

Early and late-ripening red and white grapes proudly showcase the diversity of climates that exist in the Western Cape, where most South African wines are made. From full-bodied Stellenbosch Cabernet to the vibrant blends from Swartland and the fresh Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Walker Bay, South African wines offer a diverse range of styles worth exploring.

Table of Contents

Weather Report

Located in the southwestern part of South Africa, the Western Cape features a Mediterranean climate influenced by several factors, including the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as its diverse topography. This region is characterized by a range of mountains and slopes, allowing vines to thrive at various altitudes and sun exposures across different soil types.

The Benguela Current, an oceanic current that flows northward along the western coast, creates cool breezes and brings fog to the coastal areas. During spring and summer, a southeasterly wind known as the Cape Doctor blows across the region, moderating summer temperatures.

Weather in the last decades has been uneasy in South Africa. From 2015 through 2018, severe drought affected the region, resulting in lower yields. In 2023 and 2024, heavy rainfall and floods impacted several districts.

Fortunately, in 2025, most producers benefited from favorable climatic conditions. Enough rainfall during the winter and dry conditions during the spring and summer led to a good harvest in terms of yields and quality.

By leveraging the diverse terroir of the Western Cape, South African winemakers are cultivating in varied soils and climates.

Jesica Vargas, Wine Enthusiast Writer at Large

Trend Report

Historically, white varieties have made up most of the grape production in South Africa. While currently the total area cultivated is almost evenly split between white and red varieties, white wine is likely to continue leading in popularity.

As producers improve vineyard management and embrace sustainability, their focus is on the quality of the fruit and showcasing the singularity of their vineyards and wards.

By leveraging the diverse terroir of the Western Cape, South African winemakers are cultivating in varied soils and climates. For this reason, cool-climate districts like Elgin, Walker Bay and Cape Agulhas in the Cape South Coast are thriving.

Futurecast

While production of white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon continues to grow due to international and local demand, Chenin Blanc—the most planted grape variety—is not going anywhere. 

South Africa has the largest area of Chenin Blanc plantings in the world, with over 39,000 acres. As is often the case with grapes that produce good yields and can withstand various weather conditions, Chenin Blanc was initially planted in regions that were not always ideal for producing fine wines. However, this is changing as producers become more selective about their vineyard sites and adopt improved vineyard management and winemaking techniques. Enjoying a Mediterranean climate, Stellenbosch and Swartland are exceptional sources of high-quality Chenin Blanc.

On the other hand, the cool climate of the Cape South Coast region benefits early ripening grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with great wines coming from several wards.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted red grape variety, followed closely by Syrah and Pinotage. It thrives in Stellenbosch, producing elegant wines, with purity of fruit and fine tannins, which improve further as it ages. South Africa has established itself as one of the premier regions for Cabernet Sauvignon and will continue to strengthen this position in the future.

While Swartland and Stellenbosch have proven to be an excellent source of Syrah, the Rhône grape has expanded to cooler districts in the Cape South Coast region, as well. Expect more examples of fresh medium- to full-bodied Syrah coming from this area. 

Pinotage will remain a symbol of South African wine. For a long time, it was misunderstood, but producers have now refined their viticultural and winemaking techniques to highlight its best characteristics. Various styles of Pinotage, ranging from light and elegant to full-bodied and vibrant reds, all exhibiting complexity and the potential for aging, can be found across the Coastal Region.

Cap Classique is gaining popularity, offering exciting options for Champagne enthusiasts seeking quality bubbles.

Below you’ll find a list of excellent bottlings from the Coastal Region, Cape South Coast and Breede River Valley that demonstrate the breadth of the country’s wine scene.

Coastal Region

South Africa’s Coastal Region is home to several established and emerging districts such as Stellebosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Swartland, among others. The rise of several wards within these districts illustrates the shift to a more terroir-driven winemaking.

The weather in this region varies from warm to moderate. The nearby mountains and the Atlantic Ocean significantly influence wine production. Coastal areas like Constantia are known for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blancs and sweet wines. Meanwhile, further inland, districts such as Stellenbosch benefit from the cool breezes that come from False Bay, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon—the king in this area—to ripen slowly.

In the Paarl, a diverse range of red and white grape varieties thrive. Several producers, such as Brookdale and Noble Hill, create vibrant wines from fruit grown at the foothills of the Simonsberg and Paarl mountains.

Located in Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof is a celebrated producer known for its exceptional Semillon and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are crafted using grapes grown in granitic soil.

The climate in the large Swartland District is warm and dry, making it an ideal environment for grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. Notable producers like The Sadie Family and A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines create exceptional wines in this region, particularly focusing on Rhône-style blends, Syrah and Chenin Blanc. The area’s soil is diverse and contributes to the unique character of these wines.

Cape South Coast

The Cape South Coast produces acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc thrives in this cool climate. Located east of the Coastal Region, the vines benefit from cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. Like other areas in the Western Cape, vineyards are situated on slopes and plains, resulting in a diverse range of flavor profiles.

The Walker Bay District features a maritime climate. The soils in areas like the Hemel-en-Aarde wards include Bokkeveld shale, Table Mountain sandstone and decomposed granite. These soil types contribute to good water retention and root penetration. Notable producers such as Hamilton Russell, Storm and Saurwein create delightful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

Another region where these grape varieties excel is the Elgin Valley, located just over seven miles from the coast. Here, vineyards are cultivated at the foothills of the Groenlandberg, at altitudes reaching up to 1,427 feet. The climate is predominantly maritime, and producers like Paul Cluver and Lothian Vineyards are known for their outstanding wines made from the main Burgundian varieties.

Breede River Valley

The Breede River Valley wine region is located inland from the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by mountains. It enjoys a warm climate, which is enhanced by refreshing south-easterly winds. Grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated in this area.

The limestone-rich soils of the Robertson District contribute to the production of vibrant Chardonnays. Notable producers in the region include De Wetshof and Graham Beck, both known for their delicious still and sparkling wines.

More South Africa Coverage

• Here’s how South African Black winemakers are reclaiming stolen legacies.
• South African gin is finally getting its flowers. 
• The country’s Hemel-en-Aarde region is a slice of wine heaven on earth. 
• In case you hadn’t heard, South African Chardonnay is insanely good. SA winemakers are slowly reversing a history of inequity.