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South African Wine
South Africa is home to bright, fresh and thoroughly modern wines (not to mention our number one bestselling white wine!). It’s most famous as a source of fantastic value for everything from easy-drinking whites to premium reds. Pinotage is the country's signature red wine, while Chenin Blanc waves the banner for whites… But there's so much more to discover in this exciting winemaking country. From full-bodied Cabernet and juicy Merlot to zesty Sauvignon Blanc and creamy Chardonnay, there’s a South African wine for everyone.
- South AfricaColombardEvery vintage The Gooseberry Bush hits the mark for flavour and value - super fresh and citrusy£7.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£9.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaChenin BlancBright Chenin from a top Franschhoek cellar - the wine that sparked customers love for Cape whites£11.49 per bottle when you mix 6+£12.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaSauvignon BlancLimited Release Sauvignon Blanc from a leading winery in Elgin, South Africa’s premium white region£13.49 per bottle when you mix 6+£14.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaViognierA tropical fruit-filled, South African Viognier from a winery strong on ethics and quality£11.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£14.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaWhite blendUplifting, ripe and racy white combining Cape speciality Chenin Blanc with soft, aromatic Viognier£8.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£10.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaPinotageFrom the talented team behind our bestselling Gooseberry Bush comes this raspberry-fresh rosé£10.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£10.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaShiraz-based blendPinotage and Shiraz make a delicious dark fruit marriage in this weighty Cape red from Gerhard Swart£11.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£13.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaSauvignon BlancA citrusy-crisp Sauvignon Blanc from one of South Africa's most well-rated winemakers, Gerhard Swart£10.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£12.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaPinotageGorgeously juicy, well-balanced Pinotage, cherry-picked from prime vineyards across the Western Cape£11.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£13.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaSauvignon BlancDeliciously fresh, passion fruit and lime, Gold-medal Sauvignon Blanc from a top Cape cellar£9.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£10.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaAlbariñoBig excitement – Spain's much-loved Albariño grape grown in the beautiful vineyards of South Africa£11.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£13.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaSauvignon BlancCelebrate 30 years working with Bon Courage with this special-edition, crisp, fruity Gooseberry Bush£9.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£12.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaViognierThis much-loved, tropical fruit-filled, South African Viognier handily now in a 3-litre wine box£34.00 per boxQty boxes:
- South AfricaMalbec-based blendRipe, juicy Malbec from a highly respected winemaker in South Africa and an ace Fairtrade winery£9.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£10.99 per bottleQty bottles:
- South AfricaSauvignon BlancAn elegant, citrusy mineral-fresh Sauvignon from premium Cape vineyards, in a unique-shaped bottle£13.49 per bottle when you mix 6+£14.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaPinotageA classic Cape Pinotage with velvety black fruit from a historic estate in prestigious Stellenbosch£16.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£18.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaMalbec-based blendRipe, juicy Malbec from a highly respected winemaker in South Africa and an ace Fairtrade winery£9.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£11.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaCabernet-based blendGenerous, fruit-filled Cabernet Shiraz from this historic, trail-blazing cellar in Stellenbosch£11.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£13.99 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- The white wine nation that’s soared to stardom! Crisp South African stars at great-value price£53.94 £81.941 case (6 bottles) - £8.99 per bottleSave £28.00Qty cases:
- South AfricaChardonnayA premium, new-release Stellenbosch Chardonnay from terrific Cape winemaker, Adam Mason£19.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£24.00 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaChenin BlancUltra pale, refreshing rosé from South Africa, just the business when wine needs to be alcohol free£9.99 per bottleQty bottles:
- South AfricaChenin BlancFor Grand Cru style South African Chenin Blanc, you won't find finer than this 96-point white£30.00 per bottle when you mix 6+£33.00 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaPinotageSeriously rich and weighty, barrel-matured Pinotage, with black velvet fruit, from a standout cellar£12.99 per bottle when you mix 6+£14.49 per bottleQty bottles:OR
- South AfricaPinot NoirElegant, 93-point Pinot Noir from South Africa’s premium, cool-climate Elgin, a haven for this grape£27.00 per bottle when you mix 6+£29.00 per bottleQty bottles:OR
Wine FAQs
What is South African wine?
South Africa is known as a new wine country. It actually has a winemaking tradition dating back three centuries… but that’s still considered new in the wine world! Recent years have seen South Africa establish itself as a must-watch nation for wine – it ranks sixth in the world for exports and eighth in production – and it’s developed a strong reputation for exciting, dynamic winemaking and top value.
The origins of South African wine trace back to the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company established the first vineyards in the Cape of Good Hope. While South Africa faced social and economic challenges that affected wine production and trade during the Apartheid years, the country has since been through a revival. It is now one of the most popular New World wine producers.
Most of South Africa’s wines are enjoyed locally – around 80% – but there’s a rising interest in South African wines worldwide, thanks to their fruit-forward taste, ease of drinking and affordability.
Many of South Africa’s wine regions have a warm climate similar to the Mediterranean, coupled with diverse soils. This setting is great for growing grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah (or Shiraz), Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cooler areas in the west, influenced by sea breezes, are now gaining attention for their wonderfully intense red and white wines.
What are South Africa’s top wine regions?
Most of South Africa’s wine comes from the Western Cape. Key subregions here include:
- Stellenbosch: Set against the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s best-known wine areas. Its varied geography and climate means it supports many grape types. Notable red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, while Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are among the whites. The wines typically have intense flavours and are well-balanced.
- Paarl: North of Stellenbosch is the hot dry region of Paarl, which grows many of the same varieties as Stellenbosch. However, Paarl is noted for Pinotage – a native South African grape variety made by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault – and is known for its rich, full-bodied Chardonnay.
- Franschhoek: Known for its picturesque vineyards and French Huguenot heritage, this Western Cape region has a cool climate that's perfect for growing elegant, aromatic grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. It also makes refreshing méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
- Constantia: One of South Africa's oldest wine-producing areas, Constantia is famed for Vin de Constance – a sweet dessert wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes. This region is also known for its elegant Bordeaux red blends and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
- Breede River Valley: This region’s hot, humid climate is a result of its position tucked away in the mountains. Lacking cooling sea breezes, Breede River Valley creates bold reds like Shiraz.
- Swartland: A relative newcomer, Swartland is a wine region known for its warm climate and unique old-vine wineries. North of Cape Town, this region creates diverse wines, from bold red blends to aromatic white wines like Chenin Blanc and Viognier.
Walker Bay and Klein Karoo are other regions worth noting. With its maritime climate, Walker Bay is home to successful Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. A semi-desert wine region, Klein Karoo is home to elegant Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
What wine is South Africa known for?
Pinotage is South Africa’s hallmark red grape and the second most popular variety grown. Native to South Africa, it was created in the mid-1920s by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. An easy-drinking option, it’s often described as bright and earthy, with juicy red and black fruit flavours and smoky aromas of rooibos tea and pipe tobacco. What it lacks in acidity, it makes up for with big, bold tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are also famous South African reds. Both produce juicy, full-bodied red wines, although they are commonly blended to make complex wines with their signature green bell pepper flavour. Full-bodied Syrah wine has become more popular in recent years, but some wineries label it “Shiraz” after the Australian style.
South African white wine also deserves attention with Chenin Blanc taking centre stage. Often called ‘Steen’ locally, it is the country’s most widely cultivated grape variety, making up one-fifth of all vineyard plantings. Grown mostly in the Paarl region, Chenin Blanc is a versatile white with flavours of pear, yellow apple and ginger that can be made in a range of styles – still or sparkling, dry or sweet.
Creamy Chardonnay and zesty Sauvignon Blanc are other popular white varieties, with the two sometimes blended in experimental winemaking, occasionally with Riesling.
What are South African wine and food pairings?
A hearty, robust Pinotage is the ideal companion for grilled foods. Think sizzling lamb chops and succulent steaks that stand up to the wine's bold flavours and tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz also play well with grilled meats, though they have a versatility that extends to other dishes. Consider pairing with hearty fish such as grilled tuna steaks, or enjoy alongside the rich umami flavours of earthy vegetables such as aubergine and mushrooms.
For a casual night in, a pizza loaded with toppings makes for a great match. Chenin Blanc’s light, fruity flavours make it a versatile choice for any number of dishes. For a simple yet delicious pairing, serve a glass of Chenin with chicken or pork covered in a creamy sauce. The subtle flavours of the meat and the sauce’s richness work well with the wine’s profile. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of seafood, consider shellfish dishes such as delicate white crab or decadent lobster.
Discover more tasty food and wine pairings.