Wine is a world of flavour, culture, and craftsmanship — and with thousands of varietals, styles, and regions to explore, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first. But there’s a simple way to begin your wine journey: start by tasting the 9 styles of wine. Whether you’re enjoying a glass on a Cape Winelands wine tour or hosting a tasting at home, this guide will help you recognise and appreciate the unique characteristics each style has to offer.
1. Sparkling Wine
What it is: Bubbly and festive, sparkling wine is known for its fine bubbles and zesty acidity. While Champagne is the most famous, South Africa’s MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) is a world-class alternative. What to try: Seek out Brut MCCs from estates like Graham Beck, Silverthorn, or Villiera for crisp, dry styles perfect for celebrations — or just everyday joy.
2. Light-Bodied White Wine
What it is: These are dry, refreshing whites often described as zesty, herbal, or citrusy. They’re ideal for warm weather and pair effortlessly with light dishes. What to try: Sauvignon Blanc from Elgin or Darling, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño. Expect green apple, lime, and hints of minerality.
3. Full-Bodied White Wine
What it is: Richer whites with creamy textures and deeper flavour, often due to oak ageing or malolactic fermentation. These wines are structured, complex, and great for red wine lovers exploring whites.
What to try: Chardonnay from Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, or Viognier with notes of peach, honey, and spice.
4. Aromatic White Wine (Dry or Sweet)
What it is: Boldly perfumed whites with floral and fruit-forward aromas. They can be off-dry to sweet, but always expressive. What to try: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, or Torrontés. South Africa also produces beautiful aromatic examples in cooler climates like Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde.
5. Rosé Wine
What it is: Made from red grapes but with minimal skin contact, rosé offers the refreshing crispness of a white with a touch of red fruit flavour. Dry styles are especially popular in the Cape Winelands. What to try: Look for Grenache or Mourvèdre-based rosé from Stellenbosch or Paarl. Expect strawberry, watermelon, and subtle herbal notes.
6. Light-Bodied Red Wine
What it is: Lighter in colour and tannin, these reds are smooth, elegant, and easy-drinking. They pair well with everything from grilled fish to mushroom risotto. What to try: Pinot Noir from Walker Bay or Cinsault from the Swartland — both excellent expressions of this style in South Africa.
7. Medium-Bodied Red Wine
What it is: The perfect balance — offering structure and complexity without being too bold. These wines have lively acidity, making them versatile with food. What to try: Grenache, Merlot, or Sangiovese-based blends from Tulbagh, Wellington, or Constantia. Look for red cherry, spice, and earthy undertones.
8. Full-Bodied Red Wine
What it is: Bold, dark, and structured wines with high tannins and powerful flavours. These reds age beautifully and are ideal with hearty meals. What to try: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (Shiraz), Malbec, or Pinotage. Stellenbosch excels in this category with its famed Bordeaux-style blends and iconic reds.
9. Dessert Wine
What it is: Ranging from lusciously sweet to fortified and rich, dessert wines are intensely flavoured and aromatic. Enjoy them with dessert — or as dessert. What to try: South Africa’s historic Vin de Constance, late harvest wines, or Port-style wines from Calitzdorp.
A Tasting Journey Worth Taking
By exploring each of these 9 styles of wine, you’ll build a deeper understanding of what you enjoy and why. Consider it a tasting challenge — one bottle at a time. Better yet, let us guide you through it.
Wine in the Cape offers bespoke wine tours that introduce you to all nine styles through curated tastings, food pairings, and visits to some of the Cape Winelands’ most iconic estates.
