South African Wines

South African wines have been gaining well-deserved attention on the global stage, with unique varietals that reflect the country's diverse terroir and rich winemaking heritage. Among these, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Colombard standout as dynamic expressions of South Africa's viticultural identify and are testable wines for Sommelier examinations. Pinotage, a distinctly South African grape, offers bold flavors and a compelling story as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Chenin Blanc, once primarily used for bulk wine, has undergone a renaissance, now producing elegant, world-class white wines. Colombard, often overshadowed, is emerging as a fresh and vibrant option of lovers of crisp, aromatic whites. Together, these varietals showcase the innovation and quality coming out of South Africa and hint at the country's growing influence in the wine world.

In this post on Wine Blog with a Dog, we’ll dive into the captivating world of South African wines, exploring not only the distinctive varietals like Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Colombard, but also the deep historical and cultural significance of winemaking in the region. From the arrival of Dutch settlers in the 1600s to the modern revitalization of vineyards post-apartheid, South Africa’s wine industry tells a story of resilience, innovation, and identity. We’ll uncover how centuries of tradition and a unique blend of Old World influence and New World creativity have positioned South Africa as a key player in the global wine market—offering wines that are as complex and compelling as the land and people behind them.

A bottle of South African Releaf Chenin Blanc—crafted from sustainably grown grapes—spakles day bright, while Lucy lounges peacefully in the background, embodying the laid-back joy of a perfect wine moment. Chenin Blanc has a long and storied history in South Africa, where it remains the country’s most widely planted grape. Originally from France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc found a second home in South Africa, producing wines that range from crisp and zesty to rich and honeyed, often with notes of green apple, pear, melon, and a touch of spice. While South Africa has mastered this varietal’s versatility, it is also cultivated with distinction in the Loire Valley, California, and increasingly in regions like Australia and New Zealand—each offering its own unique interpretation of this dynamic grape.

South African wine traces its roots back to the 17th century, when Dutch settlers established a supply station at the Cape of Good Hope. The first recorded vineyard planting occurred in 1655 under the direction of Jan van Riebeeck, with wine production beginning just four years later in 1659. Over the following decades, the influence of French Huguenots, who brought winemaking expertise and vine cuttings with them, helped shape the Cape’s wine culture. Despite setbacks like phylloxera in the late 19th century and political isolation during apartheid, South African wine has emerged with a distinct identity rooted in centuries of tradition and resilience.

One of the country’s most unique contributions to the global wine world is Pinotage, a grape variety developed in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold. He crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then known locally as Hermitage), aiming to combine the elegance of Pinot Noir with the vigor and heat tolerance of Cinsault. The result was a bold, sometimes polarizing red wine with flavors ranging from ripe plum and blackberry to smoky earth and tar. Pinotage has since become South Africa’s signature grape, emblematic of its innovation and ability to adapt European varieties to African terroir.

A bottle of Spier Pinotage 2022 captures the essence of South African innovation in a glass. According to WSET Level 3 tasting standards, Pinotage typically offers pronounced aromas of ripe black fruit—such as blackberry and black plum—alongside notes of red cherry, smoke, earth, and often a distinctive hint of banana or acetone when young. On the palate, it ranges from medium- to full-bodied with medium to high tannins and moderate acidity. As South Africa’s signature varietal, Pinotage holds a special place in the country's wine heritage, symbolizing both its viticultural uniqueness and post-apartheid renaissance. Economically, Pinotage contributes significantly to South Africa’s wine exports, helping define its presence on the international market and supporting countless local producers and communities.

Another hallmark of South African viticulture is the prominence of Chenin Blanc, locally known as Steen. Though originally from France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc has arguably found its spiritual home in South Africa, where it accounts for more vineyard plantings than in any other country. South African Chenin ranges from bright, zippy styles perfect for warm afternoons to richly textured barrel-aged expressions with honeyed depth. Colombard, often overshadowed by its more prestigious neighbors, has played a critical role in South Africa’s wine industry as well—valued for its acidity and used in brandy production, blending, and increasingly as a crisp, standalone varietal white that’s gaining quiet recognition.

Poolside perfection in sunny Las Vegas: a star-bright pour of 2024 Spier South African Chenin Blanc catches the light, crisp and inviting. In the background, Annie eyes the water, clearly ready for a swim—and maybe a sip of summer herself.

Key Wine Regions for the WSET III Examination

Stellenbosch stands as the heart of South African wine country, renowned for its historic vineyards, academic institutions, and concentration of top-tier producers. Nestled between dramatic mountain ranges and cooled by ocean breezes from False Bay, the region boasts a mosaic of microclimates and soil types that support a diverse range of grape varieties. Among these, Pinotage has found a particularly strong foothold—Stellenbosch is widely considered the benchmark region for this distinctly South African grape. Here, Pinotage is crafted into complex, age-worthy wines that reflect the area's rich terroir, combining ripe red fruit, earthy undertones, and a signature smoky depth. With its blend of natural beauty, innovation, and tradition, Stellenbosch continues to define and elevate the global perception of South African wine.

Annie poses sweetly by her dinner dish with a bottle of 2023 Neethlingshof Estate Pinotage from Stellenbosch — the historic South African region where Pinotage was first cultivated in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. This bold, dry red shows medium tannins, medium acidity, and 13% ABV, with a complex profile: juicy primary notes of plum, blackberry, cherry, raspberry, fig, lavender, and pepper; quirky secondary hints of banana, vanilla, cream, and a touch of cheese; and tertiary layers of toasty wood and nuttiness. A true South African original — and Annie’s dinner date for the night.

Walker Bay, with its cool coastal climate and ocean-influenced breezes, offers an ideal environment for cultivating aromatic white varieties like Chenin Blanc. The region’s lower temperatures and long growing season allow grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and developing nuanced flavors that shine in crisp, elegant expressions of Chenin. Beyond the vineyards, Walker Bay is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty—rolling hills meet dramatic cliffs and whale-filled waters, creating a scenic backdrop that has made the area a magnet for wine tourism. Notable producers such as Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson, and Creation Wines have embraced the region’s potential while championing sustainable farming, biodiversity conservation, and minimal-intervention winemaking practices, helping to shape Walker Bay’s reputation as both a world-class wine destination and a model of environmental stewardship.

Elgin, perched at a higher elevation than most South African wine regions, benefits from a uniquely cool and misty climate that’s particularly well-suited to aromatic white varietals like Chenin Blanc and Colombard. This high-altitude enclave, once known more for apple farming than viticulture, has rapidly gained acclaim for its vibrant, expressive wines. The cool temperatures and long ripening periods enhance natural acidity and allow for the development of delicate floral and citrus notes, resulting in wines that are fresh, crisp, and beautifully balanced. Elgin is also at the forefront of South Africa’s movement toward organic and biodynamic farming, with many producers embracing sustainable practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention. This philosophy is reflected in the purity and energy of Elgin’s wines, which offer a distinct and refreshing counterpoint to the richer styles found in warmer regions.

Swartland has earned a reputation as South Africa’s epicenter of innovative, boundary-pushing winemaking. Once overlooked in favor of more established regions, Swartland is now celebrated for its dry-farmed vineyards, old bush vines, and minimalist approach that lets the land speak through the wine. Among its many success stories is the resurgence of Colombard, a grape once relegated to brandy production and bulk blending. In the hands of Swartland’s new generation of winemakers, Colombard has been reimagined as a premium varietal—bright, zesty, and full of character, often showcasing saline minerality and citrus-driven precision. Much of this transformation can be traced back to the Swartland Revolution, a grassroots movement in the early 2010s that brought together passionate winemakers committed to authenticity, sustainability, and natural expression. Their influence continues to shape the region’s identity, inspiring a bold, honest style that has made Swartland one of the most exciting regions in the New World wine landscape.

This wine map of South Africa highlights the diverse terroirs defined by the Wines of Origin (WO) system, which ensures regional authenticity from broad geographical units to precise estates. The map also traces the cooling Benguela Current from the Atlantic and the powerful Cape Doctor winds, both of which play a crucial role in moderating temperatures and extending grape ripening—preserving acidity and aromatic complexity. I’ve included labels from three unique wines that tell the story of this dynamic region: House of Mandela’s Sauvignon Blanc, shaped by ocean breezes; The Delicious Monster from McGregor, a quirky tropical white that thrives in inland valleys; and Mbali, a Chenin Blanc–Viognier blend from the Western Cape that captures both elegance and aromatic depth. All are perfect companions for curious palates—and dog-friendly vineyard adventures featured on wineblogwithadog.com.

Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Colombard are cornerstones of South Africa’s wine identity—each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes, winemaking traditions, and cultural evolution. From the bold, earthy character of Pinotage to the vibrant versatility of Chenin Blanc and the refreshing brightness of Colombard, these wines showcase the creativity and resilience that define South African viticulture. I’m more inspired than ever to visit South Africa with my dogs, Annie and Lucy, and experience these incredible wine regions firsthand. We encourage you to explore these distinctive varietals and the breathtaking places they come from—whether it’s the sun-drenched slopes of Stellenbosch or the cool coastal vineyards of the Western Cape. By choosing South African wines, you’re not just enjoying world-class flavor—you’re supporting a dynamic wine industry rich in history, innovation, and heart.

Understanding the history and cultural context behind wines like Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Colombard adds depth and meaning to every sip. These varietals are more than just expressions of terroir—they’re reflections of a region’s resilience, innovation, and identity. South African wines invite us to explore not just flavor, but story. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious taster, diving into the roots of these wines enhances appreciation and connection. Annie and Lucy love to hear from you—share your own experiences with South African wines in the comments or tag us in your photos on social media. Cheers to discovering the world, one bottle at a time!