South Africa

South Africa has rapidly ascended to prominence in the global wine industry, earning a reputation as a New World wine region that can rival the best of the Old World. With a history rich in tradition, diverse winemaking conditions, and a growing roster of exceptional producers, South African wine has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. As wine enthusiasts increasingly turn their attention to this dynamic region, producers like Porseleinberg, Le Riche, Kanonkop, and Lismore are leading the charge, crafting wines that captivate the senses and showcase the unique terroirs of South Africa.

The history of South African wine spans over 360 years, starting in 1659 when Jan van Riebeeck, the Cape's first governor, produced the region's first wine. This early success set the stage for a thriving industry, with the sweet wines of Constantia gaining international fame in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite challenges like the phylloxera epidemic and apartheid-era isolation, the end of apartheid in 1994 ushered in a new era. With renewed investment and modern techniques, South African wines now blend Old World elegance with New World innovation, earning global acclaim.

South Africa's diverse wine regions offer a range of microclimates and soil types, enabling the production of various wine styles, from robust reds to crisp whites. The Cape Winelands, near Cape Town, form the heart of the industry, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool, wet winters. The nearby Atlantic and Indian Oceans provide temperature moderation and diurnal variation, enhancing the wines' freshness and complexity. The country's varied soils, from Swartland's granite to Robertson's limestone, impart unique characteristics, allowing winemakers to express the distinct qualities of their vineyards.

One of the most exciting initiatives to come out of the South African winemaking scene is the development of The Cape Winemakers Guild. Founded in 1982, the guild serves to improve the quality of South African wine by encouraging the sharing of knowledge between its members and by tasting international benchmarks. The guild is comprised of 41 members, hand-selected by the guild to meet regularly as a technical tasting group. Here, members are provided with the opportunity to assess wines from across the globe and share ideas and knowledge with one another, ensuring that the CWG members remain leading producers in the industry.

The CWG hold an annual auction, the annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction which showcases rare and unique South African wines produced in small quantities exclusively for the auction by the members of the guild. It is an opportunity for the talented guild members to craft exceptional wines whilst investing in the future of the South African wine industry.