South Africa

For almost a century, South Africa was dominated by one cooperative, KWV, producing large volumes of very average wine. With the end of Apartheid in 1990 came the end of KWV’s domination eventually leading to privatisation of the wine industry. This freedom has allowed diversity to flourish and South African wines are becoming very exciting, especially with Bordeaux-style blends and Chenin Blanc, plus Pinotage, the pure South African variety. This is where we come in …

South Africa has experienced a meteoric improvement in quality in the last five years, as well as an explosion of new winemakers, wineries, and range of wine styles. We shall thus look at some of the leading winemakers from South Africa and contrast international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc with the indigenous grape varieties that South Africa has made their own - the delicious Pinotage and Chenin Blanc (aka Steen). You will experience some excellent wines that may change your view of this country’s wine!