Calitzdorp – South Africa's Port Capital in the Klein Karoo

Calitzdorp lies in the Klein Karoo, around 370 kilometres east of Cape Town, and is known as South Africa's Port Capital – named for its specialization in fine port-style wines such as Cape Vintage and Cape Ruby. The dry, warm climate closely resembles Portugal's Douro Valley, producing concentrated, characterful wines.

Whether it's a fine Cape Vintage to end the evening or a bold, dry red made from Touriga Nacional to pair with a Sunday roast – buy wine from Calitzdorp online with us and discover for yourself why this small region has been celebrated for its port wines for decades.

Discover more about Calitzdorp

The Calitzdorp Wine Region

Calitzdorp lies in a natural basin of the Klein Karoo, ringed by three mountain ranges: the Swartberg to the north, the Rooiberg to the south, and the Gamkaberg to the west. The town was founded in 1831 on land belonging to the Calitz family; after the collapse of the ostrich feather industry in 1914, many farmers turned to winegrowing instead. As an independent Wine of Origin District within the Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp comprises three wards: Groenfontein, Cango Valley and Koo Plateau.[1]

Climate and Soils

The climate bears a striking resemblance to Portugal's Douro Valley: mean February temperatures sit at around 23.7°C, summer days reach 30 to 35°C, while nights cool sharply – a day-night swing of more than 20°C. With only around 200mm of rainfall a year and roughly 2,800 hours of sunshine, Calitzdorp is one of South Africa's driest wine districts. Soils on the valley floor are red alluvial deposits, while the slopes feature weathered shale, schist and quartz – low-water, well-drained soils that force the vines to root deeply and naturally limit yields to 4 to 6 tonnes per hectare.[2]

Grape Varieties from Calitzdorp

Our range from Calitzdorp includes the Portuguese varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Amarela, alongside aromatic Moscato, plus Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and the rarity Malvasio Rei. The story of Tinta Barroca in Calitzdorp began in 1973 with a stroke of chance: a Shiraz cutting order arrived at De Krans mislabelled, and turned out to be Tinta Barocca – the spark that led to the systematic planting of Portuguese varieties and South Africa's modern Cape Port category.[3]

From Port to Cape Vintage

Since 1 January 2012, South African wines can no longer be labelled "Port" under an EU trade agreement – since then they've carried names like Cape Vintage, Cape Ruby or Cape Tawny, fortified to 15.5 to 22% ABV. The Cape Port Producers' Association (CAPPA) was founded back in 1993 in Calitzdorp at the first Calitzdorp Port Festival – early evidence of the region's importance for this style of wine.[4]

Notable Wine Estates from Calitzdorp

Boplaas Family Vineyards, in the sixth generation of the Nel family since 1880, first won the SA Champion Port Trophy in 1986 and has defended the title ever since; in 1994, a Boplaas 5-Year Potstill Brandy was served at Nelson Mandela's inauguration. De Krans, also in the hands of the Nel family since 1890, has won over 700 medals, making it one of the most decorated estates in the Klein Karoo, and was named South Africa's best fortified wine producer in 2017 – among other things for the country's first dry Touriga Nacional red wine.

Buy Calitzdorp Wines from Us

Whether it's a fine Cape Vintage for dessert or a bold, dry Touriga Nacional red to go with a hearty stew – our range features authentic wines from South Africa's port capital. Order online with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Calitzdorp

Where is the Calitzdorp wine region located?

Calitzdorp lies in the Klein Karoo, around 370 kilometres east of Cape Town, surrounded by the Swartberg, Rooiberg and Gamkaberg mountains.

Why is Calitzdorp known as South Africa's "Port Capital"?

The region specialized in Portuguese grape varieties and Cape Vintage-style port wines from the 1970s onward; the Cape Port Producers' Association was founded in Calitzdorp in 1993.

Which grape varieties are grown in Calitzdorp?

Our range includes Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Moscato, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Malvasio Rei.

Why can't these wines be called "Port" anymore?

Since 2012, the term "Port" has been reserved for Portugal under an EU trade agreement; South African wines are now called Cape Vintage, Cape Ruby or Cape Tawny instead.

What makes Calitzdorp's climate so distinctive?

It closely resembles Portugal's Douro Valley, with hot, dry summers, cool nights, and a day-night temperature swing of more than 20°C.

Which wine estates from Calitzdorp are worth recommending?

Boplaas Family Vineyards and De Krans, both in the hands of the Nel family since the 19th century, are among the region's best-known names.

What foods pair well with wines from Calitzdorp?

Cape Vintage pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts and cheese boards, while dry reds go well with grilled meats and hearty stews.

How much alcohol do Calitzdorp's port-style wines contain?

Cape Vintage, Cape Ruby and Cape Tawny are fortified to 15.5 to 22% ABV.