Southafrican wines

South African wines offer astonishing quality and value. The wines offer food-friendly styles and flavors that combine elegance and power. South Africa has been producing wine since the first vines were planted in the 17th century, brought there by Dutch governors. South Africa's most important wine regions are around the two towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl. Many styles of wine are produced, from stunning reds to full-bodied Chardonnay and crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.

South African wines offer astonishingly good value and have food-friendly styles and flavors that combine elegance and power. South Africa has been producing wine since the first vines were planted in the 17th century, brought by the Dutch governors of the Cape Colony. At one time, Constantia's sweet wine was the most prized in the world. South Africa's most important wine regions are around the two towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl. Many styles of wine are produced, from stunning red hits to full-bodied Chardonnay and crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen, is a local white grape capable of making impressive dry and sweet wines. Pinotage, South Africa's own red grape (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault), still leaves wine critics divided, but it can be an excellent single-varietal offering and is a key ingredient in Cape Blends. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux-style red blends are also among the best reds in the country. We have thousands of South African wine reviews in our buying guide. Browse the South African Wine Guide to browse our South African wine reviews and discover all that this beautiful wine region has to offer.