Shiraz & Syrah – South Africa's Rhône Grape with Elegance

Shiraz and Syrah are South Africa's Rhône grape with two faces: powerful and fruity as Shiraz, fine and spicy as Syrah – both with elegance. The grape has been documented at the Cape since the late 1890s at Groot Constantia, and today it grows from the coast all the way to the Swartland.

For lovers of expressive red wines – for example with grilled steak, game or braised dishes – you can buy Shiraz and Syrah wine from us, from Boekenhoutskloof to Porseleinberg.

Find out more about Shiraz / Syrah

Shiraz in South Africa: From Mix-Up to Boom

The story of Shiraz and Syrah at the Cape begins with a case of mistaken identity. In the 19th century, a grape there was called "Hermitage", after the famous Rhône wine. In fact it was Cinsaut [1]. This was noticed by JP de Waal, manager of Groot Constantia from 1890, on a trip through Australia around 1900. He recommended that the government import Australian Shiraz vine material, and cuttings from South Australia arrived at the Cape in the early 20th century [1]. The first confirmed plantings are considered to be vineyards at Groot Constantia in the late 1890s [2]. The sources differ on the exact timing.

In 1957, Bernard Podlashuk, the "Father of Shiraz in South Africa", bottled the first single-varietal Shiraz under the Bellingham label [2][3]. Groot Constantia followed in 1963 [2]. At the end of the 1970s there were only around 20 Shiraz wines [2]. With the international boom of the early 1990s, vineyard area grew from about 900 hectares (1992) to around 10,000 hectares (2009) [2].

Shiraz or Syrah? Style Makes the Difference

Both names refer to the same grape variety. In South Africa, "Shiraz" usually stands for fruit-forward, powerful wines, while "Syrah" stands for Old World-style wines with depth and ageing potential [3]. The boundaries blur, however. The wines combine New World power with classic elegance. Typical notes are dark berries, pepper, herbs, chocolate and smoke, plus vanilla from oak ageing, with a full, silky palate and a long finish.

Swartland: Schist, Fynbos and Syrah Sites of Distinction

In the Swartland, the grape thrives in the dry, Mediterranean climate on schist soils, surrounded by fynbos [3]. By hectare, Shiraz is almost level with Cabernet Sauvignon there [3]. Master of Wine Tim Atkin has counted individual Swartland sites among the greatest Syrah sites in the southern hemisphere [3]. Names include Sadie Family Wines and Porseleinberg [3].

Food Pairing

Grilled meat, steaks, game and hearty stews go well with powerful Shiraz. Mature cheeses pair with intensely roasted and spiced dishes.

Buy Shiraz and Syrah From South Africa From Us

In our range, the selection runs from approachable Shiraz such as Spier and Cloof, via Thelema and La Motte, to the icons of Boekenhoutskloof, Sadie Family Wines and Porseleinberg.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shiraz and Syrah From South Africa

Since when has Shiraz been grown in South Africa?

The first confirmed plantings are considered to be vineyards at Groot Constantia in the late 1890s. Australian vine material followed in the early 20th century.

What is the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?

They are the same grape variety. In South Africa, "Shiraz" usually stands for fruit-forward, powerful wines, "Syrah" for Old World styles with more depth and ageing potential. The boundaries blur.

What did "Hermitage" at the Cape have to do with Shiraz?

In the 19th century, a grape called "Hermitage" was grown at the Cape, but it was in fact Cinsaut. After this was discovered around 1900, Australian Shiraz vine material was imported.

Who bottled South Africa's first single-varietal Shiraz?

Bernard Podlashuk, the "Father of Shiraz in South Africa", brought the first single-varietal Shiraz to market in 1957 under the Bellingham label.

How has the vineyard area developed?

From around 900 hectares in 1992 to about 10,000 hectares in 2009, driven by the international boom of the 1990s.

Why is the Swartland considered a top region for Syrah?

A dry, Mediterranean climate, schist soils and fynbos shape the wines. Tim Atkin has counted individual sites among the greatest Syrah sites in the southern hemisphere.

What does South African Shiraz taste like?

Of dark berries, pepper, herbs, chocolate and smoke, with vanilla from oak ageing – full, silky and with a long finish.

Which foods pair well with Shiraz and Syrah?

Steaks, grilled meat, game, hearty stews and mature cheeses.