{"id":16826,"date":"2018-10-03T17:26:41","date_gmt":"2018-10-03T16:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=16826"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:58","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:58","slug":"guide-south-african-wine-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/guide-south-african-wine-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to a South African Wine Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wine was first introduced to South Africa<\/a> in 1659 when the first bottle was produced in Cape Town<\/a> by the town\u2019s founder, Jan van Riebeeck. Believe it or not, this 17th-century origin means that South African wine is classified as \u201cNew World.\u201d You\u2019ll find fresh flavours and crisp notes in every bottle of South African wine you pick up, but why not go a step further and taste it right from the source? Read on for your guide to a South African wine tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>South Africa <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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South African wine is a “New World” wine with a distinct flavour | \u24d2\u00a0South African Tourism\/Flicker<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

South African wine<\/b><\/h2>\n

While \u201cold-world\u201d wines are generally named after the region in which they were produced (think Bordeaux and Burgundy in France), South African and other \u201cnew-world\u201d wines are more commonly named after the type of grape from which they are created. South African red wines, in particular, are known for being full-bodied and high-alcohol, but the nearby oceans keep them tasting fresh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

South African wine regions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Since 1973, South Africa has regulated their wine production with a \u201cWine of Origin\u201d system. This means that if a wine is labelled as having been produced in a specific region, 100% of the grapes in that bottle have come from that region. <\/span><\/p>\n

Breede River Valley<\/b><\/h3>\n

Surrounded on three sides by mountains, this valley is responsible for about 40% of South Africa\u2019s wine production. Here, you\u2019ll find Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Shiraz. <\/span><\/p>\n

Klein Karoo<\/b><\/h3>\n

A desert region, Klein Karoo is one of the most diverse wine regions in South Africa. The grapes grow mostly on mountainous slopes in a dry climate, and the region specializes in fortified port-style wines and unique dry Portuguese-style cultivars.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Klein Karoo offers breathtaking views and some extraordinary wine varieties | Photo on Visual Hunt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Olifants River<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the most northernmost wine regions in South Africa, the Olifants River valley is home to a wide variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc closer to the coast and rich reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Shiraz further inland in the mountains. Many of the more widely-produced and exported South African wines are from this region, meaning you may find some familiar tastes if you\u2019re already familiar with what the country produces.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Safari in South Africa vs. Tanzania: Where Should You Go?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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The Northern Cape<\/b><\/h3>\n

While the Northern Cape is the largest South African region, it\u2019s also the most sparsely populated. This means you can expect unspoiled countryside, peaceful nature, and more than enough wine! In the east of this region, you\u2019ll find more acidic soil and, thus, crisp and refreshing white wines. In the west, you\u2019ll find full-bodied reds: there\u2019s something for every taste in this region. <\/span><\/p>\n

What to Expect at a Wine Tour in South Africa<\/b><\/h2>\n

When you imagine wine tastings, you might be picturing endlessly-educated sommeliers looking down their noses at you and saying words like \u201cbouquet\u201d and \u201cnote.\u201d Most of the time, however, wine tastings are relaxed and educational: there’s no need to stress!<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be intimidated by your first tasting: there are plenty of guides available to make sure you fully enjoy and don’t feel intimidated by the experience. Here are a few of our top tips!<\/span><\/p>\n