Wine has been produced in South Africa since the 1600s. Indeed, the iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance, was bought by European courts in the 18th and 19th Centuries in preference to Yquem, Tokay and Madeira. The modern era of winemaking began in the 1990s after the end of apartheid, but the trend was towards quantity over quality. In the late 1990s a joint venture with some Bordeaux proprietors saw the creation of Anwilka and this helped to re-establish the country's wine reputation.
However, it is only in the past decade or so, thanks to the emergence of ‘New Wave’ winemakers that South Africa has started to show its potential. There are some exciting wines being made from old vine Chenin Blanc and Grenache. Stellenbosch and Franshoek are famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah while Hermanus and Hemel-en-Aarde are home to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Wine has been produced in South Africa since the 1600s. Indeed, the iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance, was bought by European courts in the 18th and 19th Centuries in preference to Yquem, Tokay and Madeira. The modern era of winemaking began in the 1990s after the end of apartheid, but the trend was towards quantity over quality. In the late 1990s a joint venture with some Bordeaux proprietors saw the creation of Anwilka and this helped to re-establish the country's wine reputation.
However, it is only in the past decade or so, thanks to the emergence of ‘New Wave’ winemakers that South Africa has started to show its potential. There are some exciting wines being made from old vine Chenin Blanc and Grenache. Stellenbosch and Franshoek are famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah while Hermanus and Hemel-en-Aarde are home to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
