South Africa

Cape Point/Constantia A stunning location for vineyards, with coastline, Table Mountain and Cape Town all in close proximity. High air temperatures in summer time, often - correction, always! - mitigated by a strong cooling breeze provide good conditions for balancing ripeness and acidity in the wines, reds and whites alike.

Elgin/Walker Bay Only a relatively short distance from Cape Town and Stellenbosch but the contrast in climate is very noticeable. Cooler climate wines are produced in Elgin/Walker Bay as a consequence of altitude and/or cooler maritime breezes. Hermanus Bay, home to the Southern Right whale's mating and calving activities, is also the 'breeding ground' for one of the new world's best Pinot and Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell. Other classics in this region are the wines from Iona, Hermanuspietersfontein and Southern Right.

Franschhoek Nestled high in a valley of the Drakenstein Mountains, the 'French Corner' of South Africa is now considered the country's culinary centre. An outstandingly attractive town with an ever increasing influence on the South African wine scene, there are a number of high profile, high quality wineries. The Winearray selection centres on Cap Chamonix, whose reputation for Pinot Noir places it high in the pantheon of premium producers.

Robertson/Worcester On the other side of the mountains from Franschhoek, and some distance to the East, Robertson straddles the Breede River and produces both red and white wines. Click on the picture and read about wines from Bon Cap and Fanus Bruwer, producer of the best value handcrafted Sauvignon from South Africa. Worcester, to the east, is home to Nuy winery and their delicious Red and White Muscadelle.

Stellenbosch Without doubt the most famous of South Africa's wine growing areas, Stellenbosch is home to a large number of wineries, producing the full range of varietals with some fine red blends also available. The area varies in its topography, from the lower lying vineyards largely to the south and west of the town of Stellenbosch to the likes of Thelema perched high on the pass, east towards Franschoek.

Swartland/Tulbagh North of Cape Tow, Swartland is dramatically different to the lusher lands of Stellenbosch and Constantia. A harsher terrain, where bush vines are more commomplace, the area is particularly suited to Rhone style wines. Home to Eben Sadie's eponymous wines, Columella, Palladius and Sequillo; the Rhone style Lammershoek reds and an excellent range of good value varietals from Porter Mill. The TMV Viktoria from Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards is the sole representative from the Tulbagh region.