History Of South African Wine

The first half of the 19th Century brought prosperity to the industry. The British occupation, in addition to England's war with France, created a large new market for Cape wines and production increased dramatically. In 1861 peace between England and France devastated the industry, and twenty years later the disease phylloxera sent the industry into further chaos.

In 1918 Charles Kohler's efforts led to the creation of the KWV Co-operative. An umbrella organization that brought stability to its members placing it on the road to growth and prosperity. However, for most of the 20th Century, the South African wine industry received minimal international attention. Its isolation was further exacerbated by the boycotts of South African products in protest to Apartheid. It wasn't until the 1990's that the world export market opened up and South African wines began to experience a renaissance.

South African producers quickly adopted new viticultural and winemaking technologies. International Winemakers brought their influences to South Africa and focused on traditional varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Winemaking traditions of South Africa often represent a hybridization of Old World winemaking with those of the New World. Winemakers from France, Spain, and California have all brought new techniques and styles to South Africa viticulture.

Today traditional grape varieties in South Africa and the adoption of International varieties mean that the top four red plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage and Merlot and the white grape varieties of Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.