Grape varieties
The range of South African grape varieties broadly covers all international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir on the red wine side or Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay Viognier or Semillon on the white wine side.
Nevertheless, South Africa has its specialities, such as Chenin Blanc, which has the largest area under vines in the world, twice as much as in France. In South Africa, it is also known as Steen and produces sensational, high-quality wines.
There is the Old Vine movement here, in which vines that are at least 35 years old are used. These are often old Chenin Blanc bush wines.
The red Pinotage is also a South African speciality. The new grape variety was created in Stellenbosch in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The result is interesting wines that now have a large fan base behind them.
South Africa is also treading interesting new paths and trying its hand at Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Even typical Italian grape varieties such as Barbera, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese can be found on the South African wine market.
Popular South African grape varieties at a glance
South Africa is famous for its versatile and high-quality wines, which are made from a wide range of grape varieties. Particularly characteristic are the powerful red wines and the fresh, aromatic white wines, which mature in the various wine regions of the Cape under ideal climatic conditions. Grape varieties such as Pinotage, Chenin Blanc and Shiraz reflect South Africa's unique terroir and are popular with wine lovers worldwide. Whether strong and flavoursome or fresh and fruity - South Africa's grape varieties offer the right wine for every taste.
Articles on South African grape varieties
A grape variety has a decisive influence on a wine’s character – from its aromas and structure to its ageing potential and style. The links below provide a concise overview of key grape varieties, their typical characteristics and the regions where they are grown particularly successfully.
The journey of a grape – from the vineyard to your glass
From the first bud burst to the finished wine: follow a grape on its exciting journey through the entire winemaking process. Discover how careful work in the vineyard, harvesting, processing and ageing transform a grape into a special wine, step by step.
→ Discover the journey of a grape
South Africa’s grape varieties – Discover the diversity of the wine world
From fresh Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Chardonnay to characterful Pinotage and full-bodied red wines: South Africa offers an impressive variety of grape varieties. Discover the country’s most important grapes and find out which varieties have a particularly strong influence on the South African wine world.
→ Discover South Africa’s grape varieties