Eight terroirs of the Western Cape
The Cape is the most varied fine-wine geography in the southern hemisphere. Each region here carries its own climate signature, soil type and varietal calling card.
Constantia
Cape Town's coastal cradle of Sauvignon Blanc.
Cool, granitic slopes minutes from the Atlantic. Sauvignon Blanc with marine restraint, plus the historic Vin de Constance dessert wine.
Elgin
Cool-climate apples and razor whites.
South Africa's coolest premium region, 300m above sea level. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc — all built around lift and acid.
Franschhoek
Huguenot valley, Cap Classique country.
A high-walled valley with cooler nights than neighbouring Paarl. Méthode Cap Classique, Semillon and old-vine Cabernet Franc are the calling cards.
Hemel-en-Aarde
Pinot Noir's southernmost outpost.
The 'Heaven and Earth' valley above Hermanus. Cold Atlantic air and Bokkeveld shale shales produce structured Pinot Noir and crystalline Chardonnay.
Paarl
Warm slopes, generous reds.
Warmer than Stellenbosch, with granite outcrops and rich loam. Rhône varieties, Pinotage and old-vine Chenin.
Robertson
Limestone, Chardonnay and the Breede River.
Limestone-rich soils along the Breede River. Chardonnay-forward, with strong Cap Classique and emerging Shiraz.
Stellenbosch
The historic heart of South African wine.
Decomposed granite on the foothills of the Helderberg, with cool maritime afternoons drawn off False Bay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux blends thrive here.
Swartland
Bush vines, schist and the new wave.
Hot, dry, low-intervention. Dryland Chenin, Syrah and Rhône-style blends from ancient bush vines on schist and granite.