Like the growth in British tourist numbers to South Africa, the country`s wine imports into the UK have risen dramatically in the past few years. Without doubt, South African wines have arrived - indeed, because of the different wine growing seasons, the early vintages sometimes arrive six months before their "nouveau" European counterparts!
"The natural habitat in the Cape is more than favourable," observed wine connoisseur Hugh Johnson. The winter rainfall, Mediterranean climate, together with its rich soils, ensure the growth of strong and healthy vines - ideal conditions found nowhere else in the world.
Most popular way of discovering the joys of South African wines is on a day trip from Cape Town - either self drive or on an organised excursion by a local travel organiser. Devotees of the grape however can spend several days - weeks if they wish - finding out about the subtle differences between the various types, there are so many estates to visit.
White wine grape varieties include Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Hanepoot (Muscat d`Alexandrie), Rhine Riesling, and Semillon. Amongst the reds are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Pinotage (a variety that remains almost exclusive to South Africa), Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Tinta Barocca and Pontac.
A glass of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinotage quaffed in your own home may be your first taste of all the quality and sophistication that South Africa has to offer as a tourism destination. Enjoyment of South African wines is a great incentive to explore, first hand, South Africa`s winelands, savouring the fruit of the vine at the point of production. Maybe you`ll return from South Africa to share your knowledge - and the odd glass or two - with relatives and friends!
In 1973, South Africa`s winelands were divided into a series of official regions, districts and wards. All the main vineyard areas are in the Western Cape and lie within a relatively concentrated area no further than 100 miles from Cape Town, broadly in an easterly direction. The drier and hotter Klein Karoo, Olifants River and lower Orange River regions lie further to the east and north and do not benefit from the same Mediterranean climate.
Anyone visiting Cape Town can, within a few hours` drive of the city, acquaint themselves with some of the vineyards that are now becoming so familiar with the wine-buying public in the UK. Alternatively visitors can book escorted tours of the winelands, many of which are included in the itineraries of UK tour operators.
There are 13 wine regions to explore:
Constantia
The cradle of the Cape Winelands, the Constantia route spans the heart of the historic Constantia Valley, an area rich in beauty. Three farms, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting form part of the original farm, Constantia, granted in 1685 to Simon van der Stel when he was Dutch governor to the Cape. The cool maritime climate ensures the production of top quality wines, including some of South Africa`s finest Sauvignon Blancs.
Durbanville - A mere 20km from Cape Town, the Durbanville wine route nestles on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills and surrounding countryside. The area`s ideal climate is reflected in the production of many award-winning wines. Enjoy the rustic and cordial atmosphere of one of the country`s smallest wine routes.
Franschhoek - Franschhoek was first settled by the Huguenots in 1688 who brought with them their wine-growing expertise. Most of the farms and wine estates have French sounding names. This is an area which has graduated from `run-of-the-mill` production to wines of considerable quality in recent years. An hour`s drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek offers visitors a complete range of wines, gourmet dining and top quality accommodation set in a picturesque valley.
Klein Karoo - This 300km route winds to the most easterly extremity of the Cape Winelands. Heady and passionate wines evolve from a terrain that is so stark at times, then unexpectedly richly verdant.
Olifants River - The Olifants River region extends northwards from Swartland, incorporating the two centres of Citrusdal and Vredendal. Vredendal is located some 320km (200 miles) from Cape Town. This is a dry region yet maritime influences from the Atlantic reduce night- time temperatures quite dramatically, so quality wines can be ensured. Production is dominated by co-operatives and the Vredendal Co-operative alone crushes more grapes than the whole of New Zealand in one harvest! The wine route stretches over 200km and winds its way through contrasting landscapes. See the breath-taking Cedarberg Mountains, the unspoilt West Coast, Namaqualand and the Olifants River.
Orange River - The only winelands not within striking distance of Cape Town, these vineyards are towards the north of South Africa, in the Northern Cape. While the setting is sun-scorched and arid, the vines flourish from irrigation by the Orange, Vaal and Riet Rivers.
Overberg - Walker Bay and Elgin - Walker Bay and Elgin lie in the Overberg district and constitute a relatively new wine-growing region and probably the coolest in South Africa. Close to the seaside town of Hermanus, cool Atlantic breezes encourage very successful results from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Paarl - Paarl lies further inland from Stellenbosch, yet is still no further than 60km from Cape Town. Paarl is home to the extensive wineries, offices, research and development stations of the KWV Brandy Cellar. To the east the town is dominated by the Paarl mountain, from which it got its name - the monolith looks like a `black pearl` after a shower of rain. Warmer and drier than Stellenbosch, the land is flatter and is home to a number of prestigious individual producers and some of South Africa`s larger and most progressive co-operatives. This wine route, situated in the Bergriver Valley, 56km from Cape Town, is easily accessible, all farms and routes are clearly sign-posted. The Paarl route is proud of its diversity of wines.
Robertson Valley - Less than two hour`s drive from Cape Town, down the Breede River Valley from Worcester, lies the scenic Robertson Valley. It has established itself as a prime wine producing region in recent years, largely due to its limestone soils which are ideal for Chardonnay in particular but also for Cabernet Sauvignon and other noble varieties. Visitors are welcome to visit the numerous cellars, restaurants and holiday resorts on the Breede River and to enjoy the various hiking trails.
Stellenbosch - Situated 42km (25 miles) from Cape Town, the picturesque university town of Stellenbosch is the hub of South Africa`s wine industry. The old-fashioned atmosphere and architecture of the town contribute to its unique charm. There are many diverse micro-climates and sub-regions - Helderberg, Simonsberg, Devon Valley and Bottelary to name a few - and the region is home to the largest number of South Africa`s best-known producers. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Stellenbosch remains green right through summer. The members of the Stellenbosch wine route are within a 12km radius of the town.
Swartland - The Swartland region lies north west of Paarl and Stellenbosch. The name which means `black land` refers to the dark, rich soils of the area. This wine route lies a mere 40 minutes drive from Cape Town and comprises the towns of Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Piketberg, Porterville as well as Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. The combination of rich, fertile soils and minimal yet sufficient water permits the vines, which are traditionally grown in the old-fashioned `bush` style, to achieve moderate to low yields of very high quality grapes. The area boasts an unusually high proportion of `noble` varieties such as Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside the widely planted Chenin Blanc. Apart from six wineries, the area offers numerous tourist attractions and breath-taking scenery.
Tulbagh - The Tulbagh Wine Association is situated in the historical Het van Waveren, 60 minutes drive from Cape Town. A land of rivers and mountains it offers a trip into history: the famous Paddagang Winehouse, renowned for traditional Cape cuisine, the Oude Drotsdy Museum and the historic Church Street.
Worcester - Bounded mainly by mountains, this area, which forms part of the scenic Breede River Valley, can be reached within an hour`s drive via the Huguenot Tunnel. This region contributes a fifth of South Africa`s total grape production - much of it traditionally used for brandy. Today increasing volumes are used for wines, mainly Chenin Blanc but also Chardonnay. The town of Worcester is home to the KWV Brandy Cellar as well as the Kleinplasie Museum.
History of wine in South Africa
Wine production in South Africa dates back to 1659, just seven years after Jan van Riebeeck set up a Dutch base at Table Bay. He wrote in his diary: "Today, praise be to God, wine was pressed from Cape grapes for the first time."
In 1679 a new governor, Simon van der Stel, took over the Cape. He actively encouraged the new `free burghers` to plant more vines and established his own vineyards at Constantia, east of the present-day Cape Town. His vineyards became famed for their sweet Constantia wines so sought after in the 18th century.
Wine producing potential was boosted considerably by the Protestant Huguenots, who arrived in South Africa in 1688 to escape persecution from Catholic France. They brought with them first-hand knowledge of wine-making and gave their name to the wine district of Franschhoek, or "French Corner."During the 18th century the Cape`s wine industry flourished as the Napoleonic Wars cut off the supply of French wines to Britain and South African vintages were imported instead.
All went well until, a century later, Britain resolved her differences with France and South Africa`s wine exports collapsed. Further disaster followed in 1886 when the disease Phylloxera decimated the vineyards. That, and the Anglo-Boer War, plunged the wine industry into chaos.
Stability was returned with the establishment, in 1918, of the Co-operative Winegrowers` Association, or KWV, which today acts as a spokesman, advisor and production and marketing organisation on behalf of its 5,000 wine farmer shareholders.