South Africa
South Africa: Through Geography and Winemaking
From the differences created by sea breezes and mountains, move on to Chenin Blanc, old vines, and traditional method sparkling wine. Study Cape wines from both the vineyard and winemaking perspectives.
You can study geography, grape varieties, appellations, and winemaking in sequence. Knowledge gained from articles can be verified through exercises comparing regions and styles.
Grasp the location of the region.
- Stellenbosch: Cabernet from mountains and sea Eastern Cape Town
- Paarl and Franschhoek: Inland valleys Cape interior
- Constantia: History of sweet wines and cool-climate whites Cape Peninsula
- Swartland: old vines and soil differences Northwest Cape
- Breede River basin: white, sparkling, and inland water Breede River basin
- South Coast: Elgin and Walker Bay Southern Coast
- Inland and northern areas: expand wine regions along the rivers Northern Cape – Orange River
Choose from articles
Oceans, mountains and water
Overview of South Africa
Starting from the country's southwest, examine the distance to the sea and the orientation of the mountains together.
Wine of Origin
WO: Reading Origin and Labels
Region, variety, and vintage are each guaranteed by different standards.
South African grape varieties
Chenin, Pinotage, and beyond
Compare the use of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage with their roles among other white and black grapes and in blends.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch: Cabernet from mountains and sea
Explain Cabernet ripening, not just by sunlight but also by sea breeze and slopes.
Paarl, Franschhoek and Wellington
Paarl and Franschhoek: Inland valleys
Even in adjacent valleys, the appellation or wine style does not always coincide.
Constantia and Durbanville
Constantia: History of sweet wines and cool-climate whites
You will learn not only about historic sweet wines but also dry whites exposed to sea breezes.
Swartland and Darling
Swartland: old vines and soil differences
Expand your learning from old-vine Chenin to Syrah and blends.
Breedekloof, Worcester and Robertson
Breede River basin: white, sparkling, and inland water
Compare the white and sparkling wines of the Breede River basin, in terms of vineyard locations and water use.
Elgin, Walker Bay and Cape Agulhas
South Coast: Elgin and Walker Bay
Read altitude and sea breezes as separate factors contributing to coolness.
Olifants River, Klein Karoo and Northern Cape
Inland and northern areas: expand wine regions along the rivers
Step away from the Cape Town area and consider strategies for water and heat management.
Old Vine Project
What does old vine certification guarantee?
Consider vine age records separately from the evaluation of wine character.
Cap Classique
Cape Classic: the process of bubbles and lees
Follow the steps of second fermentation in the bottle and maturation, stage by stage.
Klein Constantia 2022
Vin de Constance: Selection Harvest and Sweet Wines
Read the method of a single vintage in the order of number of harvests, fermentation, and barrels.
Major topics of study are selected and included. This is not an encyclopedia listing every appellation, variety, or producer.