A Deep Dive in the Western Cape

South Africa has a rich winemaking history, producing wines that have consistently been among the highest rated in the world. From Stellenbosch to Constantia, explore just what makes the wines of the Western Cape so good.

South Africa may not have been making wine quite as long as ‘Old World’ countries like France, but it still has a very rich history. The first vineyards were planted in 1655 in the Cape Region after a Dutch settler, Jan Van Riebeeck, recognised the potential of the area's climate and soil. The first wine was produced in 1659 and it didn’t take long for the rest of the Cape to catch on…

The regions of the Western Cape

South African wine regions are known locally as districts and wards, each of them boasting a slightly different topography and unique microclimate that provide the perfect conditions for growing a variety of grapes. The most famous are Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Swartland, Durbanville, and Hemel-en-Aarde – collectively they make up the Cape Winelands.

The climate of the Western Cape

South Africa primarily has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild, wet winters. But what really sets this winemaking country apart are the mountains and Atlantic and Indian Oceans, creating a diverse range of microclimates. Around the coastline of the Cape and stretching as far as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, hot days are cooled by a strong, cold wind, known as the Cape Doctor.

Constantia has one of the coolest climates, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, bringing cool, salty breezes. Situated on Table Mountain's southern slopes, it’s known for producing elegant, high-quality fresh wines, made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The mountains also play a huge part, offering altitude, shade from bad weather, and a variety of soils. Wine regions influenced the most by mountains are Stellenbosch, which is close to the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains; Franschhoek which is encased by mountains on three sides; Cederberg, known for its high-altitude vineyards in the Cederberg mountains; and Tulbagh, which is protected by the Saronsberg mountains.

The Grapes of the Western Cape

South Africa’s most widely planted grape is Chenin Blanc, which is used to make everything from still and sparkling wine to sweet wine and brandy.

Alongside Chenin Blanc you can find Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, and Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage (a grape to bred in South Africa by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault), Merlot, Cinsault, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and many others.

While the Western Cape makes a variety of brilliant still wines, it’s particularly famous for two styles: Bordeaux blends, with Stellenbosch, Constantia, and Paarl producing highly awarded wines that rival those of France, and sparkling wine, known as Cap Classique. South Africa’s answer to Champagne, Cap Classique is made using the traditional method with grapes similar to those from Champagne – though restrictions aren’t quite so stringent, and a variety of grapes can be used.

The Western Cape has also begun planting Spanish and Italian varieties, such as Albariño and Nebbiolo (the famous grape used to make Barolo). If you visit, be sure to keep an eye out for these!

The best way to get to know the wines of the Western Cape is by tasting them. Take a look at some of our top recommendations below.

Our top wines to try from the Western Cape

Graham Beck Brut, South Africa

This sparkling wine is a real steal for fizz fans who love the taste of Champagne – but not the price. Fresh but creamy. Full of limey citrus flavours – it’s got a lovely brioche richness from its second fermentation in the bottle.

Vergelegen ‘Mill Race’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Stellenbosch

This Bordeaux-style blend spends 18 months in oak before it's released, developing complex flavours and softening tannins. Discover rich notes of ripe red fruits, cassis, and cedar.

Spier Albariño, Stellenbosch

It’s safe to say that Albariño is rare in South Africa. Only 36 hectares are planted in total – and only nine hectares in Stellenbosch. But Spier isn't afraid to do things differently. Expect aromatic flavours of grapefruit, stone fruits, and melon.

Definition by Majestic Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch

The French white grape Chenin Blanc has found a new home in South Africa, where it produces an enticingly bright, tropical-noted style of wine in the Western Cape. Expect typical aromas of pineapple, citrus, and honey alongside full body and complexity.

Kanonkop 'Kadette' Pinotage 2022/23, Stellenbosch

The family-owned estate is considered to many as the equivalent of a South African First Growth. And when you taste what they've done with the country's star grape, Pinotage, you'll know why. Made in a soft, fruit-forward style, it’s complex with notes of raspberry, strawberry, red cherry, and chocolate.

Honey Drop Chardonnay, South Africa

Honey Drop is an unapologetically big, bold, and rich Chardonnay. It's made about as close to the sea as you can get in Stellenbosch. Oak ageing brings heady flavours of cream, honey, butterscotch, and brioche.

Krone 'Borealis' Cuvée Brut, South Africa

The Krone collection's flagship cuvée is fresh and bright, with flavours of melon, peach, and pineapple. You'll also find biscuity notes from 18 months of lees ageing, plus a crisp, saline minerality that makes this an ideal pairing for fish and shellfish dishes.

Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc, Constantia

Klein Constantia dates back to 1685. The winery without a doubt produces some of South Africa's finest wines, including the famed dessert wine Vin de Constance. In this fresh Sauvignon Blanc, expect notes of citrus and stone fruits that are best with grilled seafood.

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