All about wine - Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the great wine capitals of the world. Its winemaking history dates back more than 300 years, so the industry reflects the Old World classicism but is also influenced by the contemporary fruit-driven styles of the New World.

Since the end of Apartheid, over 40% of the South African vineyards have been replanted, moving successfully from volume production to noble cultivars and quality wines. Foremost dominated by white grape varieties the trend now is towards a more market-driven balance between white and red.

A passionate new generation of winemakers is competing with confidence on the world wine stage. Noble varieties include Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, which produce top-class white wines, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir. The best known local crossing and emerging star is Pinotage.