The first instalment covers Western Coast and Darling, Cape Town, Elgin, Bot Rivier, Walker Bay, South Coast and Elgin.
WEST COAST AND DARLING
The combination of low lying hills, temperate climate cool sea breezes and deep soil promotes a wealth of resources in vineyard production, making Darling one of the newest and most promising viticultural districts in the country. It is known for the exceptional quality of its Sauvignon Blanc, the variety which initially spearheaded the viticultural progress of this district.
CAPE TOWN
As the newest Wine of Origin, it unites the wine wards of Constantia, Durbanville, Philadelphia and Hout Bay under the inclusive name Wine of Origin Cape Town. It is currentlv home to a total of 30 wineries, Cape Town is rightly famous for its wine production, with a viticultural history dating back to the 1650s when the area was established as a refreshment station along the Spice Route between Europe and Asia, and the first vines were planted by the Dutch governor, lan van Riebeeck.
ELGIN
Vineyards in this area benefit from high altitudes, with some lying 400 m and more above sea level. A series of rolling hills set in an undulating countryside present the perfect opportunities for vineyard site selection. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz do particularly well in this late-ripening zone.
BOT RIVIER
The wineries in this ward are centred within a 10 km radius around the village. The area is renowned for its cool maritime microclimate. Cooling afternoon winds blow up the valley off the ocean. Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz and other Rhône varieties fare particularly well here.
WALKER BAY
It is tvpified bv its maritime climate which is one of the coolest inSouth Africa. The region is held in high regard for the Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that is made here, along with fresh, flinty Sauvignon Blanc.
SOUTH COAST AND ELIM
The Elim wine region is just 20km from Cape Agulhas, and it's an interesting place for growing wine grapes, with a chilly climate (by South African standards) and plenty of cooling breezes from the ocean. A ward generating much interest, it's still small hectarage has shown great potential. In Elim, with its mineral-rich soils, you will find up to five different soil tvpes within a hectare of vinevard. The vineyards are exposed to very strong southeasterly winds. These strong, cooling winds are prevalent in summer, ensuring a very cool ripening season, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc in particular but also verv promising for Semillon and Shiraz.