Wine Growing Regions | Douglas Green

Wine Growing Regions In 1973, the introduction of the Wine of Origin System saw the division of South Africa's winelands into demarcated regions, each divided into districts, then wards and finally, estates. Constantia: The vineyards along the slopes of the Constantiaberg extension of Table Mountain enjoy shade cast by the mountain in the late afternoon and cool sea breezes blowing from False Bay below. Rainfall is high and no irrigation is needed. Darling: This area is enjoying an increasingly important role with its own wine route and several tourist attractions. The Groenekloof ward is closest to the cooling Atlantic and is known for its quality Sauvignon Blanc. Durbanville: On the hills close to Cape Town this area is becoming noted for Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot varieties. Clovelly and Hutton soils are deep and well drained. Sea breezes regulate the summer heat and dry the atmosphere. Elim: One of the most recently certified maritime regions. Vineyards are situated around a Moravian mission settlement near Cape Agulhas and the cooler climate makes this a great area for Sauvignon Blanc. Franschhoek: The Paarl District includes the Franschhoek ward, which has retained its typically Gallic, French Huguenot character, strongly reflected in its wines and highly acclaimed cuisine. Little Karoo: Running inland east to west from Montagu to Oudtshoorn. Here very warm summers and cold winters (along with lower rainfall) have seen vineyards planted in river valleys where water for irrigation is plentiful. The region produces some of South Africa's most renowned fortified wines. Northern Cape: The most northerly wine growing area in the Cape has approximately 15 000 ha under management. This, the warmest of the wine regions stretches, along the banks of the Orange River and offers ideal white grape conditions, although reds - in particular, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz - are being increasingly planted to great effect. Olifants River: Stretches in a belt from north to south along the broad valley of the Olifants River. Warm summers and low rainfall serve to promote soils from sandy to red clay loams. The Olifants River is emerging as an important, good-value-for-money, wine region. Overberg: This cool southerly district is the source of some of South Africa's finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyards closest to the sea benefit from cool Atlantic breezes and predominantly weathered shale soils are ideal for cool-climate loving varieties. Paarl: This scenic town is home to some of our most prestigious wine producers and progressive co-operatives. The long, warm summer and annual 650 mm rainfall offers excellent conditions for the growing of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Piketberg: High summer temperatures and low annual rainfall in this district makes irrigation common practice. Most of the wines are still made by co-operative cellars recognised for affordable table wines. Robertson: Known as the 'valley of vines and roses', the lime-rich soils make it eminently suitable for racehorse breeding and good wine. Situated in the Breede River Valley area, the average annual rainfall of 400 mm, high summer temperatures and cooling south-east winds from the coast channel moisture-laden air into the valley. Traditionally considered white wine territory and known for its Chardonnays, but lately Robertson is also the source of some of the Cape's most notable Shiraz. Stellenbosch: This is a quaint and thriving university town and is arguably the hub of the South African wine industry. Stellenbosch University is the only university in South Africa with a viticultural and oenological department and many of the country's most successful winemakers study here. Important research into new varietals, clones and rootstocks is undertaken at the nearby Nietvoorbij Institute of Viticulture and Oenology. Stellenbosch is recognized for its quality noble grape varieties and blended reds. Swartland: Falling within the Coastal Region, here rolling wheat fields give way to lush, green vineyards, known for robust, full-bodied red wines and high quality, fortified wines. Recently, some award-winning red and white wines have emerged, in a region world renowned for its top quality ports. Tulbagh: Is surrounded by the great Winterhoek Mountains, where vineyards thrive alongside orchards and fields of wheat. Soils in the valley are extremely variable, from sandy valley floors to stony soils on the mountain slopes. Warm summer temperatures and mountainous terrain create many different micro-climates which are used to great advantage. Wellington: A ward at the foot of the breathtaking Bainskloof pass is a burgeoning wine area enjoying a growing international reputation for full, gutsy red wines and home to the impressive Douglas Green headquarters.