1300 South African wines to choose from

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From everyday wines to top wines, find your favourite wine in Germany's largest range of South African wines!

The cradle of wine growing in South Africa was in Cape Town. At the southern tip of the African continent, where two oceans meet, the elegance of the classic old wine world and the fruity wine styles of the New World come together today. The unique terroir at the Cape stands for wines with an enormous variety of flavours, from full-bodied and hearty red wines to light, fruity white wines. South Africa has become one of the most exciting wine countries in the world.

More about South African Wines

More informations about South African wines

South African Wine – Diversity, Quality, and Enjoyment from the Cape

Over the past decades, South African wine has become an established part of the international wine scene. The wine country of South Africa combines centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern cellar techniques and sustainable viticulture. From powerful South African red wines to fresh white wines, rosé wines, and high-quality sparkling wines, South Africa offers an impressive stylistic variety that delights wine lovers around the world.

The History of Winemaking in South Africa

The roots of South African winemaking go back to 1647 when the Dutch sailing ship Nieuw Haerlem was wrecked at the Cape of Good Hope. Reports from the stranded sailors about fertile land, fresh water, and a mild climate led the Dutch East India Company to establish a supply station at the Cape a few years later. With the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in 1655, the targeted cultivation of vines began, with plants imported from France, Spain, and the Rhineland. The first documented South African wine was produced in 1659 – the beginning of an extraordinary winemaking history.

Cape Town and the Western Cape – The Heart of South African Wine

Cape Town remains the heart of South African winemaking. In the Western Cape province, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, wines of exceptional quality are produced. The combination of coastal proximity, elevation, cool breezes, and diverse soils shapes the terroir and allows for both elegant and powerful wine styles. South Africa here combines the finesse of the Old World with the fruit-forward character of the New World, making it one of the most exciting wine regions today.

South African Red Wine – Powerful Wines with Character

South African red wine enjoys an excellent international reputation. Regions such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Swartland are particularly known for structured, deep red wines with aging potential. Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and the indigenous Pinotage produce wines characterized by dark fruit, spicy notes, and balanced tannins. Premium South African red wine blends combine these qualities into complex wines with international appeal.

South African White Wine – Freshness, Elegance and Variety

In addition to red wine, South Africa is renowned for its excellent white wines. Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay thrive especially in the cooler coastal regions such as Constantia, Elgin, and Cape Point. Here, fresh, mineral-driven white wines with clear aromatics and lively acidity are produced. Chenin Blanc is considered the country’s most important white grape variety, offering a remarkable range from light and approachable to complex and age-worthy wines.

Rosé and Sparkling Wine from South Africa

Rosé wines from South Africa are growing in popularity. Modern vinification techniques produce fruit-forward, balanced rosés with freshness and drinkability. The portfolio is complemented by high-quality South African sparkling wines made using the traditional bottle fermentation method. Known as Méthode Cap Classique, these sparkling wines impress with fine bubbles, elegance, and structure and are a hallmark of South African sparkling wine.

Sustainable Winemaking in South Africa

A key factor in the success of South African wine is its commitment to sustainability. Winemakers developed comprehensive guidelines for environmentally friendly production early on. Programs such as the Integrated Production of Wine, the Wine of Origin certification, and biodiversity protection initiatives ensure transparent origin, high quality, and responsible environmental practices. South African wine is therefore among the most strictly certified wines in the world.

Overview of South Africa’s Major Wine Regions

The Western Cape includes some of the country’s most renowned wine regions, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia, Paarl, Swartland, and Elgin. The cooling Benguela Current creates a temperate climate, providing ideal conditions for high-quality vine cultivation. Depending on location and microclimate, the region produces both robust red wines and elegant white and sparkling wines.

Excellent South African Red Wines and Blends

North of Stellenbosch lies the relatively warm and elongated Franschhoek Valley. Amid high mountains, almost the full spectrum of South African grape varieties is cultivated here. The special microclimate favors Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, producing outstanding, full-bodied red wines. A regional specialty is Sémillon. In the historic Constantia Valley, once world-famous for its sweet wines, only a few wineries remain today. The landscape is dominated by the state-owned Groot Constantia, the family-run Klein Constantia, and Buitenverwachting, owned by a German family. These wineries focus primarily on Sauvignon Blanc, which benefits from the coastal winds to develop distinctive freshness. Chardonnays produced here are among the best in South Africa, and Constantia is also renowned for its Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Together with Elgin, Swartland, and Elim, Constantia forms a hotspot of South African winemaking.

South African White Wines: Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc

South Africa is globally recognized for its outstanding white wines, particularly Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc, the country’s most important white grape, impresses with its versatility, ranging from fresh and light to fruity, complex, and age-worthy. Sauvignon Blanc thrives in cooler coastal areas such as Constantia, Elgin, and Cape Point, displaying vibrant acidity, freshness, and clear aromatics with notes of citrus, gooseberry, and green herbs. Both varieties define the modern character of South African white wines and pair perfectly with light dishes, seafood, or simply enjoyed on their own.

South African Wine Today – Enjoyment with Provenance

The modern rise of South African winemaking began after the end of apartheid in 1990. New vine cuttings could be imported again, and modernization efforts transformed the wine industry. The Wines of South Africa export association was founded to promote South African wine internationally, while a new generation of winemakers and cellar masters gained experience abroad. This influx of knowledge and fresh ideas led to a stylistic evolution, with internationally recognized varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon establishing a foundation for globally competitive wines. Today, over 550 wineries cultivate approximately 97,000 hectares of vineyards. More than 1.2 billion liters of wine are produced annually, with a significant share exported worldwide. South African wine today stands for quality, diversity, and excellent value. Whether red, white, rosé, or sparkling, South African wine offers enjoyment with history, character, and authenticity.