If you ask anyone you meet about Cape Town, you’re likely to get “wine” as one of the first few responses, and with a history of wine dating back to the 1650s, Cape Town is rightly famous for its wine production. The Mediterranean climate of the Cape, with its rainy winters and long, dry summers, is ideal for grape growing. Of course, history was not always as elegant as the rolling valleys, contemporary tasting rooms, and enchanting manor houses that can be found today.
History Of Wine
In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company arrived at the Cape and soon established it as a refreshment station for ships travelling between Europe and Asia. As part of his mission, Van Riebeeck began planting grapevines, mostly from the Spanish Mission variety. This was the first recorded attempt to produce wine in South Africa, with some of the earliest wines being enjoyed by sailors during their visits to The Cape.
In subsequent decades, more vineyards were planted in what would eventually become known as The Winelands – an area that now covers much of the Western Cape province. This expansion was mainly driven by the steady influx of settlers who continued to plant new vines. Many of them had vast experience in viticulture from other parts of Europe, bringing with them knowledge about how best to cultivate grapes for winemaking.
Over time, these settlers developed into distinct communities of winemakers that focused on specific varieties or styles of wine. In Stellenbosch, for example, Shiraz was popular due to its suitability for warmer climates; while Franschhoek was associated with Chardonnay because it was well suited for cooler conditions. During this period, many wineries were also built throughout The Winelands, resulting in what is still an incredibly diverse selection today – everything from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc to Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon can be found across The Winelands’ vineyards.
Throughout its long history as a major producer of wines, The Cape has seen its fair share of struggles too – ranging from devastating fires that wiped out entire vineyards to political unrest during apartheid which resulted in export sanctions and boycotts. However, despite all these challenges, The Cape has remained one of the world’s premier destinations for producing exceptional wines – something which is evident today through its flourishing industry and renowned tasting rooms located throughout The Winelands area.
As a testament to this resilience and quality that exists across all levels within South African winemaking, every year hundreds flock from around the world come to visit The Winelands’ many estates. Each estate offers unique experiences that celebrate local cuisine alongside interesting wines full borne from generations worth of expertise and know-how. From small family wineries that produce limited quantities to large-scale corporate operations, there’s something here for everyone — allowing visitors a chance to truly explore what makes South African wines so special.
Discover the Cape Winelands today and book your wine tour with us.
