South Africa

Amongst wine professionals, many say that South Africa is arguably the most beautiful in terms of wine regions. Green, lush and colourful with landmarks of old Dutch architecture, it exudes some of the most dignified wineries one may ever lay their eyes on – all surrounded by sheer wildness. While wild boar may be the most exotic animal foe amongst European vineyards, South Africa has baboons. What makes South Africa additionally interesting is its overall wine style. Not as exuberant as Australia or California or as restrained and elegant as Europe, it finds its place nicely in the middle, offering good fruit appeal but with freshness and balance. It has a number of wine regions, though all are located in its southwestern corner. They offer a variety of micro-climates to the hot and dry all the way to cool and damp. Its most famous include Stellenbosch, Robertson, Constantia and Walker Bay. Chenin Blanc has found an audience here but many varieties have found success such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux blends and Syrah.