Cape South Coast Wine (32)

In the 19th century, missionaries settled in the town of Elim and planted vines for the production of sacramental wine. After that, viticulture on the Cape South Coast fell into obscurity for a long time. It wasn't until the 1990s that experimental farmers began to plant new grapevines again. In the meantime, the advantages of the region have led many prestigious businesses to acquire vineyard land here and start production. Although the cultivated area is still relatively small, the Cape South Coast promises great potential for wine in the future.

Grape Varieties in the Cape South Coast Wine Region

The dominant grape variety throughout the cultivated area is unmistakably Chardonnay, although there are different local preferences. Other important varieties for white wine include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Chenin Blanc. The production of red wine is lower on the Cape South Coast. Preferred grape varieties are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.

A special feature is the red Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, which was first bred in South Africa and is mainly cultivated there because it hardly thrives elsewhere. Pinotage is mostly vinified as a single variety, but is also found in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon.

VINELLO offers you a representative selection of wines from the Cape South Coast, showcasing various districts with some outstanding wineries such as Paul Cluver, Cederberg, or Hamilton Russell. Among these, there are fine wines for special occasions as well as high-quality everyday wines.

Ancient Soils of Cape South Coast

South Africa is home to some of the oldest soils on earth. There are slate formations that formed about one billion years ago and contain no fossils, as there were no vertebrates at that time. Approximately 500 million years ago, the present-day continental Africa emerged through folding and erosion. This prehistoric period resulted in a variety of soil types.

On the Cape South Coast, sandstone predominates, which lies partially over a granite layer. Further inland from the coast, the substrate is mostly composed of slate. This terroir supplies the vines with numerous minerals, which, in combination with the winemakers' craftsmanship, strongly influences the taste of the wines.

Challenging Climatic Conditions for Cape South Coast Wine

At the southern tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, a predominantly maritime climate prevails. For the winegrowers in the region, this has its advantages and disadvantages. The constantly blowing wind ensures that the grapes do not grow very large while simultaneously developing thick skins, which promotes a higher concentration of aromas. Moreover, the wind allows the vines to dry quickly after rainfall, reducing the incidence of fungal diseases. On the other hand, particularly young vines are often damaged by strong winds. Another problem is the varying salt content of the air depending on the wind direction. Depending on the weather conditions, the vineyards may need to be misted with fresh water to prevent salt from settling on the vines. Despite these adversities, wine from the Cape South Coast is now indispensable from the South African map.

Buy Cape South Coast Wines Online at VINELLO

We would like to invite you to try the popular wines from Cape South Coast. Browse through our selection at your leisure and find your new favorite wine at VINELLO today. We are proud to offer you a wide range that includes wines from various parts of the world.

We place great importance on our customers' satisfaction. Therefore, we guarantee that your purchase from us is safe. We also ensure quick delivery so that your requested package reaches you without long waiting times. Feel free to request advice from our sommeliers - we are happy to assist you!