The wine industry in South Africa dates back to 1865 when the Cape Governor, Simon van der Stel, purchased a 750-hectare estate for the planting of vines. Today this is the world-renowned Constantia wine estate.
Wine making in South Africa was more of an industry and less of a passion until as recently as the 1990’s. Prior to that wine making was highly regulated by the South African government.
It was a passion for growing and producing quality wine that transformed the wine industry over the next few decades into its world renowned status of today.
South Africa has a host of brilliant wine makers and a diverse range of terroirs, climates and cultivars that provide an enormously wonderful range of wines.
Thirsty Traveler takes every opportunity to taste and learn about all the wine industry has to offer. Below are a list of some of the wine farms we have visited, outlets that stock a great range of wines and of course and wines which we have tasted.
Le Lude- exclusively Cap Classic
The Wine Shed has an eclectic collection of great wines
South African Terrior with French Savoir Faire – Marianne Wine Estate
Bonnievale Vineyards’ new limited release wines
Exploring Fairviews Fine Wines
Tasting the bush vine produce of Swartland Winery
Sun Dappled Elegance at the 203 Bridge Street Brewery Bubbly and Gin Tasting Festival
LA VIERGE APOGÉE PINOT NOIR RECEIVES TROPHY AT INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE