Wineries South Africa

Winegrowing in geographical units

In order to be able to delimit the South African wine-growing regions as precisely as possible, they were divided into geographical units. The basis for the subdivision of the areas was, for example, the same climatic and geographical conditions. Mountain ranges and rivers were also used as natural boundaries as points of orientation. Under the umbrella of the Wine of Origin Association, South Africa's winemakers ended up creating wine production zones that are divided into geographic units, regions, districts and counties. The Western Cape geographical unit includes Breede River Valley, Cape South Coast, Coastal Region, Klein Karoo and Olifants River. In addition, there are five other geographical units: Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Northern Cape. In total, the South African wine regions comprise 29 districts and 92 smaller districts. South African winegrowers have also set themselves specific targets for the area under vine: A single vineyard may not be larger than five hectares, and the association of several adjoining vineyards is a district, called a "ward." The vineyard sites grouped together in a "ward" have the same conditions in terms of soil and microclimate. A district is the name given to an entire winegrowing region.

Transparency in the origin of South African wine

So far, so good. But why a, at first glance, rather complicated classification of wine regions? Quite simple: It guarantees the wine lover quality and transparency when buying wine. From the vine to the bottle, he can trace where his wine comes from and where it was produced. According to the rules of the joint control institution of the South African wine industry, the "Wine & Spirit Board," the winemaker must indicate on the bottle label which region the wine comes from. The "Wine of Origin" seal on the wine bottle ultimately guarantees the authenticity of the wine's origin. And only South African wines certified by the Wine and Spirit Board are allowed to have a vintage on the label. This guarantees wine lovers that at least 85 percent of the wine in the bottle comes from the year indicated.

 South African Winegrowers inspire with 20 wine routes

In addition to the legal and geographical classification of South African wine regions, which is primarily used for quality management purposes, South Africa also has a tourist classification of wine-growing regions: the wine routes (Wineroutes). Twenty wine routes are currently being jointly promoted in South Africa by the regional winegrowers. Their aim is to make it easier for wine lovers and vacationers to explore the individual wine regions. The websites of the provide maps and information on numerous events. Here, wine lovers from all over the world have the opportunity to share their fascination for South Africa and its wines. The wineries are well signposted and some of them have their own restaurants and hotels to cater for guests. Special activities around a relaxed wine experience include, for example, picnics, vineyard tours and special wine tastings, so-called "Wine & Food Pairings", where matching dishes are served with the respective wine.

South Africa is a pioneer in quality management

From the very beginning, South Africa's winegrowers have focused on continually optimizing their viticulture. This includes a voluntary commitment to sustainable cultivation in harmony with nature, certifications that make the path from grape to bottle transparent, and research into viticulture. In its commitment to optimized viticulture, South Africa is considered a global pioneer. The "ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Wein- und Önoligie-Institut" in Stellenbosch and the University of Stellenbosch have been working on researching wine-growing terroirs as the basis for an interdisciplinary cultivation program for almost twenty years. The aim is to find out what makes a good terroir in terms of the quality of the grapes and their aroma. This helps winemakers in the Cape to better exploit the potential of their vineyards by growing the optimal grape variety in the best terroir for it, optimizing their viticultural practices and thus significantly increasing the quality of their wine.

Six typical South African grape varieties

Nearly 2900 winegrowers were counted in South Africa in 2018 and about 550 winemakers. They mainly grew white grape varieties such as Chenin blanc Colombar(d), Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Among the red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage and Merlot dominated. Most of the grape varieties were originally imported, from which six South African crosses have emerged to date. The best known is probably Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut), which is also the most widely grown. The grape harvest in South Africa takes place between February and April.

The largest South African wine regions

The largest wine growing regions include Stellenbosch followed by Paarl, Robertson, Swartland, Breedekloof, Olifants River, Worcester, Northern Cape, Cape South Coast and Klein Karoo. Among the largest wine producers are those in the Breedekloof region, which produces the most wine at nearly 22 percent, dominating South African wine production. Second in production volume is Robertson (18 percent). After that, Olifants River (12 percent) is about equal with Worcester. The regions of Paarl, Stellenbosch, Northern Cape and Swartland follow, each with around 8 percent. Very small wine-producing regions are Klein Karoo, where about 3 percent of South African wine comes from, and Cape South Coast (1.4 percent).

Viticulture in South Africa is an important economic factor

Viticulture has existed in South Africa since the 17th century. It only became an important economic factor at the end of the 1980s with the end of apartheid policy in South Africa. After trade restrictions on South African wines were lifted in Central Europe, the first exports of domestic wines abroad were possible. Today, South Africa produces more than 1200 million liters of wine annually, almost half of which is exported. South Africa ranks 9th among wine exporting countries, which corresponds to about 3 percent of the world's wine production.

SOUTH AFRICA'S WINERIES

Clos Malverne - Handcrafted wines at their best

The "Clos Malverne" winery in the Stellenbosch region is a small but fine family winery. The 27 hectare site of "Clos Malverne" is located on the gentle slopes of the Devon Valley. The microclimate in the cool valley grows Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz premium grapes. At "Clos Malverne", they practice a handmade style of winemaking. It is one of only a handful of wineries in the world that use the traditional basket press, one of the earliest, mechanical presses. This is one of the oldest methods of pressing grapes ever. The ancient Greeks and Romans developed it, and it was later perfected by the French. The process is extremely time-consuming, resulting in soft, elegant wines of great complexity. Open fermenters are also used, with grape skins punched down by hand. Small French and American oak barrels are used to age the premium red wines.

Great success with classic Cape blend

In 1995, "Clos Malverne" was one of the first wineries in South Africa to produce a classic Cape blend, a red wine consisting of at least 30 percent Pinotage. The wine was extremely successful and the first Cape blend to receive 5-star status in the prestigious Platter Wine Guide. In 2001, this wine became South African red wine champion. At the family vineyard "Clos Malverne", Seymour Pritchard and his wife Sophia then set about opening up international markets for their wines. Today, about 70 percent of the wines are delivered from there to Germany, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA.

De Morgenzon - Where the sun rises over the vineyard

At "De Morgenzon" estate, the name says it all: the "Morgensonne", the German name of the estate, is the first to rise above the vineyard of the Appelbaum winegrowing family in the Stellenboschkloof Valley. Located on the upper southern and eastern slopes of Ribbokkop, "De Morgenzon" overlooks the summit of Kanonkop. A cannon used to be fired there to alert surrounding farms when a ship came into Table Bay. In 2003, Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum bought the idyllically situated vineyard and had it transformed according to their philosophy.

The result was a 224-acre garden vineyard. Where there are no vines, the original renoster field was recultivated, a heath-like and endangered form of South African scrubland. This is not only beautiful to look at, it also ensures a diverse nature in the vineyard, which produces remarkably better grapes. Baroque music, which is played around the clock to the vines, is also said to have a positive effect on grape quality. Seven years of research into this method has shown that the fine sound waves have a positive effect on the formation of ripe phenols, while still keeping the sugar levels in the wine low. The result is excellent grape material from which estate manager and winemaker Carl van der Merwe produces award-winning wines that rank among South Africa's top 20.

Thelema - Classic wines from Stellenbosch

The monk, doctor and writer François Rabelais founded the Abbey of Thélème in 16th century France, which gave its name to Gyles Webb's family vineyard in the Stellenbosch region: Thelema. In 1983, Gyles Webb bought the "Thelema Mountain Vineyards" to become a winemaker. In the vineyard, located at an altitude of 530 meters above sea level, grapes of the highest quality grow on the mainly south-facing slopes of the Simonsberg on rich red soils. Soil type and climate end up producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines that have made "Thelema" one of the most sought-after wineries in South Africa. The first wines under the label "Thelema" went on sale in 1988. In the mid-1990s, the wines of "Thelema" were already so popular that they sold out in a very short time.

After the great success of "Thelema", Gyles Webb bought a second vineyard in 2002 in the hilly landscape of Elgin Valley, which lies 70 kilometers southeast of Cape Town in the Overberg region. The "Sutherland Vineyards" are located on a high plateau surrounded by four mountain ranges and only nine kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. At altitudes of 140 to 250 meters above sea level, grapes grow for modern and accessible wines.

Spier - A champion in sustainability

Spier Wine Estate has been in existence since 1692, making it one of the oldest wine estates in the Stellenbosch region. The award-winning wine farm is located about half an hour from Cape Town in front of an impressive mountain panorama. Cellarmaster Frans Smit and his team produce fine boutique-style wines on the 1000-hectare estate. To ensure that high quality is maintained despite the estate's size, Spier has a strict procedure for the vineyard and cellar. For example, most of the grapes are hand sorted and the wine is aged in barriques.

The result is a wide range of wines from simple, single-vineyard wines to top wines from the Private Collection and the Frans K. Smits range. Spier is allowed to use the Sugarbird and Protea logos on its wine bottles as a sustainable wine producer, which distinguishes it as a "WWF Conservation Champion." Landowners displaying this logo commit to environmentally friendly farming practices, conservation of South Africa's natural landscape, and continuous improvement of their water and energy use. Spier also holds certifications from Fair Trade and the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA). Spier is also socially committed: It supports regional initiatives and projects.

Springfield Estate in Robertson: A Trendsetter

"Springfield Estate" with its famous "Life from Stone" white wine is one of the best wineries in South Africa. The estate is located in the Robertson region in the heart of South Africa's Klein Karoo semi-desert and has been owned by the Bruwer family for many generations. The terroir produces wines of impressive, delicate minerality. The winemaker of "Springfield Estate", Abrie Bruwer, is considered a "wine madman" who implements the latest findings of the wine world elite with ambition and meticulousness in the vineyard and in the cellar. This makes Abrie Bruwer a trendsetter in South Africa when it comes to wine. His exceptional methods: cold maceration, fermentation of red berries without crushing or any pressing, no filtration, microoxygenesis, white wine fermentation in barriques, aging "sur lie" and use of natural yeasts. Of course, Abrie Bruwer uses only grapes from its own vineyards.

Van Loveren - Viticulture under the Fairtrade Label

Fairtrade is very important on the wine farm of the Van Loveren family on the banks of the Breede River. The farm, located about 160 kilometers from Cape Town and between Bonnievale and Robertson, is partly owned by the employees of the Van Loveren family. Until 1972, the Van Loverens were one of the first wine farmers in South Africa to produce sweet wines such as Red Muscadel. When the first cellars for cold fermentation of wine were built, the Van Loverens also began to create fine white wine variations, adding varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer to the range. Since 1993, more and more red grapes have been grown, such as Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Ruby Cabernet. Today, 3100 tons of grapes can be processed in the winery's cellar. They come from the 200 hectares of vineyards.

Avondale - Award winning and certified organic wines

Award-winning and certified organic wines come from the Avondale wine farm in Paarl, where viticulture has been practiced for more than 300 years. Winemaker Corné Marais and winemaker Jonathan Grieve design outstanding organic wines on the 160-hectare farm, such as Avondale La Luna, Anima Chenin Blanc, Camissa Rosé, Samsara Syrah or Armilla Blanc de Blanc MCC. In 2000, Avondale switched to organic farming after a widespread fire in the vineyard destroyed most of the vines. Jonathan Grieve not only set about rebuilding the vineyard, he also built new cellars three stories into the ground. Here wine can be produced without the use of pumps.

All wines are produced biodynamically at Avondale. Following Jonathan Grieve's vision of a balanced viticultural ecosystem, the vines are fertilized with cattle manure in horns and sprayed with special teas. Moon times, vibrations of the water and energy points are also taken into account when growing grapes at Avondale. With success: the grapes are of unbeatable quality and the wines of stunning elegance and unmistakable character. The approximately 100 hectares of vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier, Rousanne and Chardonnay vines . The entire cultivated area is certified organic and bears, among others, the German "Bio nach EG-Öko Verordnung" seal. Avondale also feels responsible for its employees, who are provided with a house and garden. There is a school for their children.

Bosmans Family Vineyards - viticulture with respect for people and nature

"Faith, hope and love" is the motto at the heart of life and work at the Bosman Family Vineyards in Wellington. As early as 1707, the winery's founder, Hermanus Bosman, attached great importance to social justice. The Bosman family is still committed to this today. It stands for viticulture with respect for people and nature. And so many of the approximately 260 full-time employees are already working on the winery in the fifth generation. As a reward for their loyalty, the employees received 26 percent of the company. The Bosman family also involves its workers in all aspects of winemaking and also stands for various social projects. For this, the Bosmans received Fairtrade certification in 2009.

Traditional grape varieties as well as new South African varieties such as Primitivo, Nero d'Avola and Pinot Gris are vinified at "Bosman Family Vineyards". In a strict selection process in the vineyard and cellar, the best five percent of the total harvest are selected for bottling. Among the various wine lines, the Fairtrade line "Adama" stands out.

"BOUCHARD FINLAYSON" STANDS FOR FINEST BOUTIQUE WINES

The valley "Hemel-en-Aarde"(Heaven and Earth) is located in the wine district of Walker Bay at the southernmost end of South Africa, close to the sea and framed by picturesque mountains. It was precisely here, about an hour and a half from Cape Town, that winemaker and cellarmaster Peter Finlayson found a prime location and founded the boutique winery "Bouchard Finlayson" in 1989, which today stands for first-class South African Pinot Noir grown according to the Burgundy principle. From the very beginning, Peter Finlayson focused on the finest quality. He planted only 22 hectares of the total 125-hectare estate with vines. The remaining part is pure mountain land, covered with the spectacular indigenous fynbos flora of the Western Cape. In this way, "Bouchard Finlayson" ensures the protection and preservation of the South African hill country.

Primarily Pinot Noir vines are grown by winemaker Peter Finlayson in the frost-free and mild climate and on the mineral-rich clay and slate soils. Pinot Noir is the flagship of Bouchard Finlayson. Its "Tete de Cuvee Galpin Peak" is considered one of the best Pinot Noirs in the world. The "Tete de Cuvee" is produced only in selected years and vinified from the best barriques of the "Galpin Peak Pinot Noir". In most cases, the grapes come from an exclusive single vineyard site. Italian Nebbiolo grapes are blended with Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Mourvedre, Barbera and Shiraz at "Bouchard Finlayson" to produce the exceptional and unique wine called "Hannibal".

RICHARD KERSHAW - THE "MASTER OF WINE" OF SOUTH AFRICA

When the Briton Richard Kershaw settled in the Elgin Valley to produce wine, he did so for a good reason. He had studied the still young South African wine-growing region in great detail before deciding to buy a piece of land on the high plateau there. The high altitude, the proximity to the Atlantic, the cloud cycles, the large cold spells and the high fluctuations in daytime temperatures - that's exactly what he needed to create wine from his favorite grape varieties, Chardonnay and Syrah. In 2010, he started his company "Richard Kershaw Wines" there on five hectares and with the ambition to vinify site-specific, cool-climate wines from hand-selected clones of Chardonnay and Syrah vines.

THE FIRST AND ONLY WINE PRODUCING "MASTER OF WINE" IN SOUTH AFRICA

The path to becoming an award-winning winemaker did not necessarily come naturally to Sheffield-born Richard Kershaw. After studies and a successful career as a chef, the craft of winemaking began to fascinate him. So he learned enology and worked as a cellar assistant in California, Chile, France, Germany, Hungary and, since 1999, South Africa. In 2011 Richard Kershaw passed the exam for the "International Master Of Wine" and today he is the first and only wine producing "Master of Wine" in South Africa.

Richard Kershaw chose Chardonnay and Syrah vines because these two noble grape varieties have the ability to produce world-class wines under certain conditions. And because they have an extremely positive storage and development potential. Each grape variety is grown at "Richard Kershaw Wines" in 3 to 4 small plots, each with a different terroir. All berries are harvested by hand and transported in small staircases to the winery in the Elgin Valley, which is only about 15 minutes away. The extremely short transport time of the grapes from the vineyard to the winery avoids unnecessary crushing of the berries as well as premature and premature oxidation of the juice.

These are important aspects for the production of first-class wines. And Richard Kershaw's secret to his groundbreaking success. Every year he presents a range of new and fresh wines that are an authentic reflection of the wonderful terroir and noble vines in the glass. The Shiraz in particular stands out from the wines of this variety usually produced in South Africa. Kershaw's Elgin Syrah is of great sophistication, built on a foundation of fine tannins, incredible freshness, notes of black fruit and black pepper. Stylistically, Kershaw Elgin Chardonnay is a highly elegant white wine with a mineral focus, balanced fruit character, hints of oats and subtly perceptible wood. Both Richard Kershaw wines are award-winning and highly prized. With them, the winemaker from England repeatedly causes a sensation at the international level.

DE KRANS - WINES FROM THE VALLEY OF THE BUFFALO

The "De Krans Wines" winery in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo wine-growing region has been one of the ten best wineries in South Africa since 2017. But that is just one award out of many. Since 1980, the winemakers from the Valley of the Buffalo have received over 700 awards from internationally recognized judges including Michelangelo, Parker, Platter`s, Wine Awards, Veritas and Top 100 SA wines. Over 700 awards were accumulated in almost 40 years. The winery "De Krans Wines" stands for outstanding and fine port-style wines made from the grape varieties Tinta Barocca, Tinta Ririz, Touringa Nacional and Souzao. "De Krans Wines" is among the top three producers of dessert wines in the Cape.

Since 1936, the owner family Nel produces wine in the Buffelsvallei (Valley of the Buffalo). The climatic conditions, very similar to Portugal's Douro Valley, were optimal for sweet wine production. Portuguese noble vines were planted and an uncompromisingly high quality was aimed for. Thus, "De Crans Wines" became known for fine sweet wines and varietal dry quality wines as well as top white and red blends. Owner Boets Nel and winemaker Christoff de Wet take care to use natural resources responsibly and with care. The grapes are mostly hand-picked. The light and crisp white and rosé wines are predominantly vinified in stainless steel. For red wines and port-style wines, Christoff de Wet relies on up to 20 months of aging in French barrique barrels.

LA PETITE FERME - HANDCRAFTED WINES FROM FRANSCHHOEK

Located on the slopes of Elephant Pass and the Middagkrans mountain range, La Petite Ferme winery in Franschhoek is a small boutique-style cellar. Whether red, white, rosé or Cap Classique method wine, each wine is an exceptional reflection of Franschoek's terroir and is among the finest handcrafted wines the valley has to offer.

John and Carol Dendy-Young bought the farm "La Petite Ferme" in 1974, initially to grow fruit and build a restaurant that is now award-winning. When their son Mark Dendy-Young took over the property in 1996, he also brought his love and passion for wine to the business. That same year, he planted vines and began producing wine with just two tanks. Today, young, dynamic winemaker Wikus Pretorius handles wine production and farm management. From the vines of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Merlot, Shiraz/Syrah and Grenache he makes the finest wines.