South Africa is about the same size as Bordeaux but has much more variety in the styles offered.
You have the classics, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where you have very classic grapes, cabernet, syrah, chenin blanc, chardonnay etc.
Up in Swartland, not far away actually, it is much warmer. Grenache and cinsault, and the somewhat (in?)famous natural wines.
Along the south coast, where in the winter you can see whales, you have Walker Bay, Hermanus and Hemel en Aarde. It is cooler. They have become famous for their pinot noirs. Well-deserved.
Here, we visit a vineyard far away in the countryside where we probably have the best meal in South Africa. Unexpected but wonderful. It is said that the chef was previously at a star restaurant in Germany. We don’t know if it’s true, but he is certainly worth a star.
If you want to understand South Africa, you have to go there. There has been quite a bit in media in recent years about poor working conditions. But you have to put it in perspective, considering how it was before and how it is now. Also, the best way to contribute is to go there.
It is also a guaranteed to be a great experience in gastronomy, wine and nature. Join us here this winter!
South Africa, February 15-23, 2020. Book your wine tour to South Africa now!