Similar to the plethora of game reserves and locations for safaris in South Africa, the country also has different regions full of vineyards that different varieties of wine come from. Below, we have detailed the three main regions in South Africa responsible for the majority of fine wine production coming from the area.

Wine Regions of South Africa

South Africa has quickly become one of the top destinations for wine enthusiasts.  A prime area for warm-climate wines, South Africa has numerous wine growing regions producing some fabulous wines.  While the main regions are located in the Western Cape near the coast, South Africa organizes its main wine regions into districts and smaller wards and each area has a variety of different wines that it's known for.  Whether you prefer full-bodied reds or crisp white wines, here are the top 3 wine regions in South Africa that you won't want to miss. 

Coastal Region  

The most famous wine districts are found in South Africa's dominant Coastal Region.  The Paarl wine district is one of the region's most well-known districts because of the large variety of grapes grown there.  The main varieties of grapes grown in the Paarl region are Shiraz, Mourvedre, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon and Chardonnay. The Paarl region is known for its red and white wine blends, as well as its fortified wines and brandy.

Also in the Coastal Region, Stellenbosch is South Africa's leading wine growing district and has some of the finest estates in the country.  Located on the mountainous coast, Stellenbosch's vineyards make for some amazing views as well as great wines.  The soil in the eastern part of the district is ideal for producing fine reds, while the sandstone-rich soils in the west are better suited for white wines.  A visit to the acclaimed Coastal Region is a must for any South African wine tour. 

Cape South Coast Region

Cape South Coast is another of the best wine regions in South Africa, while also boasting unspoiled beaches and whale watching when in season.  Due to the carbon-rich soil and cool coastal breeze, Cape South Coast is known for its cool climate grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. If you are looking for an excellent Merlot or Shiraz, Walker Bay district is one of the best producers in South Africa.  South Africa's signature variety, Pinotage is also produced in Walker Bay. 

Also in the Cape South Coast region, the Elgin district has gained notoriety with its award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz wines.  Sparkling wine also does well in the cooler Cape South Coast climate.

Klein Karoo Region

Arguably the most diverse of South Africa's wine regions, Klein Karoo has a landscape with a semi-desert area, towering cliffs, crystal clear streams, and fertile vineyards.  The semi-arid, hot climate is best known for its fortified wines and sweet grape varieties like Muscat Blanc, a petit grains type of wine, for example.  

The diverse terroir of the Klein Karoo region is ideal for a wide variety of other wines as well.  Calitzdorp district is located in a fertile valley which was once a lake.  Calitzdorp is famous for its Portuguese varieties of wines such as Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional and Souzao. For one of South Africa's most diverse wine regions, you will definitely want to visit the Klein Karoo Region. 

Interested in Touring These Vineyards Yourself?

We have hand-selected wine tours of the region that can show you the best the region has to offer in exclusive vineyard tours and wine tastings.

Cape Winelands  (Alexander + Roberts)

South Africa: Wildlife and Wine (Cox & Kings)

Wilderness and Winelands (Micato Safaris)