Coastal Region brands

South Africa’s wine industry began in the Coastal Region,

With Constantia and Stellenbosch in particular contributing to the country’s viticultural history.

The Cape’s second Governor, Simon van der Stel, established a wine estate at Constantia and was responsible for establishing the town of Stellenbosch in 1679 which he named for himself.

French Huguenot refugees who settled in the Cape in the late 17th Century brought vines and winemaking know-how to their new homes, particularly in the more northern areas of Paarl, Tulbagh and Swartland.

Many of the best-known wine regions are located within the borders of Coastal region.

Wines labeled as Coastal Region tend to be blended with fruit from vineyards in more than one of these (sub-)regions, or need the flexibility to be able to do so.

There is a huge variation of grape varieties cultivated in the Coastal Region. Sauvignon Blanc is grown along the coast in Tygerberg, Constantia and Cape Point.

The bush vine Sauvignon Blanc from Darling is a particularly unusual wine made in the region.

Towards the inland mountain ranges, where the climate is hotter and drier, there is more Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage grown.

In the more southern areas of Stellenbosch and Constantia, red wines made from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties are often found together as part of a Bordeaux Blend.