South Africa Coastal Wine Tours - Elim Valley to Constantia By Jim Hunter

Only real wine connoisseurs would know that the South Africa wine route is a real dandy. While the valleys and rolling hills of Cape Town's inner cities provide the ultimate terroir for grape growing and have produced some of the best wines in the world, there are newer wineries and vineyards that are being grown in areas never thought possible. These are the coastal areas of South Africa. With sometimes gale force winds and mild temperatures, it was once thought that these areas were not suitable for growing perfect grapes for making top quality wines.

The hard working South African vintners have proved everyone wrong as the wines emerging from Cape Point (Two Oceans), Elim Valley in Cape Agulhas, and Walker Bay have been winning all kinds of awards both local and international and are taking the viticulture world by storm. These grapes are grown in very harsh conditions and in seemingly unfertile sea sand like soil. However, the white wines that have been produced are of exceptional quality. They have been described as being light and fruity with good texture and a unique flavor that lasts.

The coastal regions start from Elim Valley at Cape Agulhas which is the tip of Africa. Here the vines are fairly old despite only having entered the market recently. Vineyards were originally grown to supply the missionaries here with wines for religious blessing and so forth. It was determined that these could in fact produce distributable wines and soon bottling and labeling began.

Moving further west you will reach the Hemel en Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth Valley) where the majority of the Walker Bay vineyards are located. Many of these wines are crisp and flavorful with unique textures. There are very few fruity flavors, with stronger spicy, vanilla and earthy tones to them. This area is not only producing great white wines, but also has a good selection of red wines which are interesting and mild. The vineyards are fairly well protected in the valley and receive mild weather with the cold Atlantic Ocean breezes.

Moving westwards again you will come to the False Bay area where the waters are warmer and the beaches full of holidaymakers. The Two Oceans wines come from this area near to Cape Point and are affected by both the Atlantic Ocean breezes as well as the Indian Ocean breezes making for a uniquely flavored wine which is excellent with most meals. They are light and have a great flavor. The Cape Point Vintners are also starting to produce a red wine and have recently seen the first harvest of red grapes which they say looks to be very promising.

When you visit the coastal region of South Africa, be sure to not miss out on these wine routes. You can also include the area of Constantia which produces award winning wines from their 5 estates. The oldest wine farm in South Africa is located here called Groot Constantia and you can enjoy exquisite accommodation, meals and fun wine tasting. Some may not consider this a coastal wine area, but it is in fact located just over the mountain from Noordhoek being 15-20 minutes from the Eastern side and only 10-15 minutes from the western side at Muizenberg.

You should also not miss out on the other wine routes while you are in Cape Town, South Africa, especially Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl making up the Winelands, Robertson, Tulbagh, Swartland, Wellington, Worcester and Breede River Valley, making up the Boland and more interior regions. There are also wine farms and lovely vineyards on the banks of the Orange River in Mpumalanga Province, in the Karoo where the semi arid conditions produce awesome Muscadels and recently in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.

The coastal wine regions should most definitely be included in your tours and will offer you a totally unique outlook and experience of wines and the wine industry. With the subtle flavors and cooler climate you are bound to enjoy these wines with any meal you have. The beauty of the area is also one of the reasons to not miss out on these regions, because you can get so much more out of your tour and take part in so many other activities like hiking, cycling, paint balling, surfing, boating, shark diving, whale watching, swimming, abseiling, mountain biking and climbing, paragliding, hang gliding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and visiting the hundred of attractions along the South African coast. Some of these include the penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Point and all its glorious features, the town of Hermanus, Cape Agulhas lighthouse and its museums, the beauty of Clarens Drive, and Hangklip.

Whatever areas you decide to visit on your wine tour of South Africa, you will find a large diversity in the wines that you taste, so if you can, get to all of the regions and experience all the varietals.

Unless you're traveling to South Africa from Australia or New Zealand, getting to South Africa is quite a haul. But that long trip can quickly be forgotten after a couple of glasses of fine South African wine. You're not likely to taste a pinotage anywhere but South Africa. Learn how about South Africa wine tours from Jim Hunter, who writes for WorldwideWineTours. The website is free and designed to help wine lovers plan wine vacations to such places as Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and other top wine producing countries worldwide. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hunter

Something To Wine About By Leslie Maliepaard

I’ve always believed that wine should be a celebration of life. One should certainly never have to succumb to drinking bad wine. So I found it disheartening, as I walked down my local supermarket’s wine aisle last week, and noticed the overriding presence of commercially branded, bulk-produced, labels. Where are the unique wines that offer a different tasting experience?

It makes sense to support those merchants who have spent valuable time in compiling an intriguing and thoughtful wine portfolio. And surely wine buying should also be a creative process, affording pleasure in the sourcing of lesser-known wines that surprise.

Supermarket wine sales continue to cash in on wine brands that lack diversity and limit wine drinkers’ imaginations. What does it mean to purchase wine at your local supermarket? Do you do so for convenience sake, pricing, or simply for the fact that “it makes no difference”?

The continuous sale of wine at our supermarkets is testimony to the fact that a large percentage of the South African wine drinking public don’t tend to plan their wine purchases. However, if you care about what you drink, then perhaps it’s time to start doing some homework.

The reason why supermarket stores and off-sales do so well is that they can be found on almost any corner, and people not deterred by the lack of choice can impulse purchase to their heart’s content.

Thus, for the sake of consumer convenience, we find ourselves directly supporting wine production that’s driven by the demands of our supermarkets and the international wine export markets. Will the support of mass-produced wine brands alter the SA wine psyche for ever and damage our already fragile local consumer wine market?

The successful product listing, by a supermarket, of a particular brand, does not necessarily indicate that the product was chosen for its superior quality. It’s usually an indication of how good the brand’s marketing channels are, as well as their commitment to supplying wine in large volumes, while offering a consistent product. Tight profit margins effectively prevent the smaller, interesting wines from ever appearing at the local supermarket.

Sadly, all SA wines end up being judged by the local consumer market based on what’s available in the supermarkets… commercially branded wines that are churned out in bulk, to be sold off as quickly as possible, locally and internationally. Our wine consumer’s choice is under threat due to the lack of diversity in our shops.

At the risk of sounding like a stockbroker, I urge you to start diversifying your wine portfolio. Wine is a precarious product. Its placement in the market is a delicate one. Explore other wine resources, take heed of online wine recommendations or wine magazine panels, and ask the sommelier at your favourite restaurant about that interesting wine that you’ve never heard of.

Shed the big brands and embrace the small producers – support their pursuit of purism. More thought needs to be given to the time and dedication spent on crafting an estate or boutique wine of limited supply. These wineries are trying to be noticed within the SA wine arena – don’t let them drown as a result of the commercially placed brands. Choose to learn more about artisans who painstakingly make every effort in crafting a unique wine, true to its style and true to the terror of our country.

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Knowing the Best Kinds of Wine in South Africa By Gerald Crawford

People enjoy drinking wine because it's a meal partner, and has a healthy effects on the body. From South Africa you must try the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Muscat, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

To always make sure that you are buying the best bottle wine from South Africa here are some things that you should check before purchasing a bottle of wine.

Quality 

Most wines on the market now are made for mass consumption, they are "acceptable" in general. When you are out searching for a bottle of wine in South Africa, be sure to consider its brand or type. In this country, a sparkling wine is usually called "Sparkeling Wine". We all know that Champagne is a place in France where great sparkling wines are made. Some great sparkling wines don't carry the name Champagne on their labels.

Taste 

Most starters are sweet wine. As you get familiar with the taste try different kinds. Firstly consider the wine's color. Red and white wines differ in tast. Aside from various wines that can be partnered with different meals. South African Wines have many different tastes and it's best to try them to find your favorite.

Terroir - Country - Soil, Weather, Sun

Although this has been a debate over the years, most wine drinkers believe that the wine's terroir has a great effect on its quality. Terroir is defined as the soil and the environment where the grapes are harvested. So if you want to be more sophisticated in choosing your wine bottle, make sure they come from a well known terroir.

Personalize 

Visit our local South African wine estates and ask the staff about wine types that you may like. You will have your own South African wine 'criteria' and before you know it, you'll be an expert when it comes to your own tastes buds.

There are many things to enjoy when drinking wine, please make sure that you don't drink too much at a time. Although most South African wines don't contain great amounts of alcohol, it is best to drink it in moderation.
However, the best thing about wine is that it is far more enjoyable than the other alcoholic drinks. So join a South African wine club and start drinking wine!

The South African Cape is home to some of the finest vineyards, producing some of the best wines in the world. Find out what our Morrisons team has to say about these New World wines.

The Cape region enjoys a favourable climate for growing vines, similar to that of many of the classic wine growing regions, but with more sunshine, and tempered by cooling breezes from the ocean. As a result the wines provide a bridge between the Old and the New World of wines: well-known varieties of grapes and long-established tradition balanced with modern ripe, fruity styles.

"These New World wines just keep improving", says Catherine Roffey, Morrisons Wine Buyer. "The white 2007 vintage was particularly good, with great fruit intensity and superb flavours across the spectrum."

Regions like Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are among the famous names in South Africa. All produce excellent versions of the much-loved SA grapes, such as Pinotage, which is indigenous to South Africa and considered its signature grape variety, and Chenin Blanc, which has always been particularly successful in this country. Lesser-known regions like Robertson, Wellington, Walker Bay and Swartland have also been making waves in the industry in recent years.

Celebrate the best of South African wines with our great food ideas. "South African wines have always done well at Morrisons and we hope to encourage more people to try them and enjoy their excellent quality".

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address:southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za 

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The Wine Regions of South Africa. By Sally Rushbrooke

The first wine grown in South Africa was that of Jan Van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town, in 1659. The earliest estate, Constantia, was born just 26 years later in 1685. So, while the wines of South Africa may be 'New World' there's really very little 'new' about them. Most of the vineyards are based in the Western Cape, surrounding Cape Town, a top location for luxury holidays, South Africa's best-known tourist destination, and a stunning example of the country's landscape. However, the Northern Cape, fed by the Orange River, is starting to be developed, as well as the eastern region of the KwaZulu-Natal. Early efforts appear promising, but as the vast majority of wines come from the Western Cape the following areas are all based in the lush surroundings of Cape Town:

Constantia 

In an affluent suburb of grand houses and luxury hotels, South Africa's Constantia region is famed as a pedigree of their wine market. South African wine finds its origins here and the area is currently undergoing a popular revival. The vineyards are ideally placed on the side of the Constantia Mountain where they are cooled by gentle sea breezes. Despite these ideal conditions only five estates are based locally: Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Buitervenwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg.

Stellenbosch 

Based just 50km south-east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is famed as the country's greatest wine-producing region and as the largest university town in South Africa, holidays here being based around the fertile valleys and historical towns of the agricultural heartland. With over 200 producers based in the area, Stellenbosch is the established capital of South African viniculture. Fringed by mountains that afford spectacular views, the geology of the area is of particular interest; the granite-based soils in the east are ideal for the cultivation of red wines, while the sandstone soils in the east lend themselves more easily to whites.

Franschhoek 

To the west of Stellenbosch and by no means as large, Franschhoek is surrounded by the Drakenstein Mountains and enjoys relatively high levels of rainfall and warm temperatures. Because of this producers here have the freedom to cultivate a wide variety of wine styles. Being only 50km east of Cape Town, and boasting a wide range of chic restaurants, it is also included on the itinerary of many luxury holidays. South Africa can offer few better gourmet experiences.

Walker Bay 

A cool coastal region that is very much on the up, Walker Bay houses such varieties as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and other traditional Burgundy grapes. Local estates include Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson.

Paarl 

To the north-west of Cape Town, this famous region boasts a selection of leading producers such as Veenwouden, Nederburg, Fairview, Glen Carlou and Plaisir de Merle. Rhone-style grapes are being grown here, such as Syrah and Pinotage, representing a move from traditional white cultivation to reds. The summer heat in the area means that the best produce comes from the more elevated vineyards.

If the visitor wants to complement their stay in one of the country's fine luxury hotels, South Africa's wines are the very finest choice. Not only are they an example of real local work and ingenuity, but they give a real taste of the culture. Make sure not to miss out on your next visit to the Southern land.


Sally Rushbrooke is a South Africa holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising inSouth Africa holidays, as well as holidays to Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Italy, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

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Active Wine Tourism in South Africa - The Vineyard Hiking Trail - By Allan S Wright

Although not as popular as some wine travel destinations, South Africa is actually on the cutting edge of active wine tourism. A visit to the Vineyard Hiking Trail in the Stellenbosch area of South Africa will allow you to experience the beautiful countryside, taste delicious wines, and stay active in the process.

South Africa boasts 13 wine regions, all located in the Western Cape centered on the city of Cape Town. While each has its charms, the Stellenbosch area is the most well-known and the location of the Vineyard Hiking Trail.

Stellenbosch is an interesting town boasting a university and a fun downtown with hotels, shops, and restaurants. It is surrounded by mountains, including the Helderberg, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Valley, and Simonsberg ranges.

Most visitors who travel to Stellenbosch and are interested in wine drive one of the well-promoted Stellenbosch American Express Wine Routes. These five driving routes have maps connecting the participating wineries, scheduled tasting hours, and a website dedicated to the concept.

However, it is not the Wine Routes that attract active wine travelers to South Africa. Much less well known, the Stellenbosch area also has a fantastic series of marked paths called the Vineyard Hiking Trail.

Without its own website and with little promotion, the Vineyard Hiking Trail is neither well known nor highly traveled. The trail is centered on the Sugarbird Manor, a fantastic small inn that until recently was owned by World Wildlife Fund - South Africa. From the doors of the inn, it is possible to reach any of the three Vineyard Hiking Trail routes: the 3.3 kilometer Vintners' Route, the 8.8 kilometer Devon Valley Route, and the 14.3 kilometer Mountain Route. The trails are signposted and a basic map is available, all for a small access fee. Vineyards along the routes are pleased to welcome visitors.

One of the aspects of the Vineyard Hiking Trail that makes it so cutting edge in wine tourism is hikers are allowed to walk on private property throughout. Unlike in Europe, where most trails through wine areas are on public roads, or in the United States where property and liability concerns make public vineyard walks a rarity, in South Africa the local grape growers have teamed together to make their lands accessible to tourists.

And make no mistake about it - walking through vineyards is more rewarding than driving from winery to winery. For one thing, it eliminates the drinking and driving problem. For another, it's healthy. Best of all, it provides a much greater connection to the wine you drink. After you work up a sweat passing row after row of well-tended grapes, the wine you drink tastes that much better.



Author Allan Wright has been active in the adventure travel business for 11 years as the owner of Zephyr Adventures (http://www.ZephyrAdventures.com), a small tour company that runs worldwide adventures. Zephyr Wine Adventures, one of the company's divisions, is the premier provider of active wine vacations around the globe, including a hiking tour in South Africa's wine country. This article is copyright Allan Wright and may be republished as long as you make no changes and include the resource box.

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Franschhoek Offers Classic Styles In South Africa By Gerald Crawford

Nestled in a fertile valley and ringed by majestic mountains, Franschhoek may appear to be merely a picturesque rural village, yet this is the food and wine heartland of South Africa and one of the premier destinations in the world of wine.

The spectacular scenery of this beautiful valley, where vineyards stretch across the mountain slopes and mighty oaks tower over original Cape Dutch farmhouses, nurtures this peaceful settlement that tells a colorful history.

History 

When the Edict of Nantes was revoked in France in 1685, hundreds of Huguenots fled their homeland as Protestantism was outlawed. Of these, 227 arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, seeking refuge. Simon van der Stel, the Dutch governor at the time, led them over what is today the Helshoogte Mountain into the valley beyond and granted many of them farm land there. The valley was first called Olifantshoek (Elephant Corner), reminiscent of the vast numbers of elephants that roamed here freely, but with the settlement of the French Huguenots the name was soon changed to Franschhoek (French Corner).

Their heritage is preserved in the Huguenot Monument, which was erected in 1938 and proudly stands at the top of the village. The engravings speak of their religious persecution, their flight to South Africa, the strength of their belief and the influence they had on the development of the area. Each original Huguenot farm has a unique story to tell and their histories are chronicled in the nearby museum.

Today Franschhoek is one of the top five tourist destinations in South Africa, and an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the astounding world of the Winelands. The Franschhoek Valley is especially known for its tranquil beauty and relaxed atmosphere, the perfect setting to thoroughly enjoy the top class wines produced in this area.

The World of Wines 

More than 300 years ago, the French Huguenots saw the potential of this fertile ground and began a wine industry that lives on to this day. Today, members of the Vignerons de Franschhoek (Winegrower's association) continue in this noble tradition and produce some of South Africa's top wines.

From crisp, fruity whites to rich, warm reds, Franschhoek offers all the noble cultivars and classic styles. The valley is especially renowned for its exquisite Cap Classique sparkling wines and ports.

The Franschhoek Valley boasts approximately 20 wine estates, many of which have retained their original French names and lovely Cape Dutch farmsteads. Small boutique wineries appeal to those in search of something unique, while larger estates offer cellar tours and conduct tastings.

The Gourmet Capital 

Franschhoek's finer tastes don't end with wine. Leading chefs create internationally acclaimed culinary delights, and eight of South Africa's "Top 100 Restaurants" are in Franschhoek - little wonder that Franschhoek is referred to as the Gourmet Capital of the country. From light meals using the delicious fresh produce of the valley, to the reassuring familiarity of traditional Cape country fare, to the exciting indulgence of world-class French cuisine - Franschhoek offers a meal for every taste and a menu for every pocket. 28 excellent restaurants offer wonderful hospitality and great ambience - and, naturally, each meal is complemented by one of the fantastic local wines.

A Visitor's paradise 

Franschhoek not only offers some of the world's finest wining and dining, but also a choice of superb accommodation. Luxurious small hotels, charming guesthouses, stylish self-catering cottages and beautiful B&B's will tempt you to stay in this quaint village. The character of Franschhoek is reflected in the hospitality of the friendly people who live here, and the scenic vineyards, spectacular views and awe-inspiring mountain landscape have long since enchanted the hearts of tourists and locals alike.

A walk down the main street may well take you a day. Coffee shops and restaurants offer taste bud temptations, shops and galleries provide a wonderful choice of antiques and a world-class collection of artworks, and crafts and curio shops sell souvenirs, inviting you to take just a small part of this unforgettable village home with you. There are also specialty shops such as cheese shops and a chocolate factory.

The spectacular mountains surrounding Franschhoek provide the perfect setting for numerous walking trails for the more energetic visitors. The La Motte Forestry Station offers hiking, horse riding, fly-fishing and cycling. Trout fishing is possible in various streams and dams surrounding the village. Experience a wine tour with a difference - on horseback or in a carriage. Local tour guides are available to advise and help you to explore all that the region has to offer.

If you happen to visit Franschhoek during our winter, remember the 14th of July. This is Bastille Day, when the village celebrates its French heritage with a wine and gourmet fair that attracts visitors from near and far.

All in all, the Franschhoek Valley is a truly special destination. With the breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, warm and friendly people and an unrivaled wining and dining experience, what better place to spend some time than in Franschhoek?

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address:southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.//12234455.co.za  

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Wine Touring in Stellenbosch By Matt Slater

If you are a wine lover then exploring the top 3 wine regions (Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek) in South Africa is an absolute must. If you want to learn more about great wines and gain great insight into the world of wine you should go on tour to the world famous winelands region in the Western Cape.

What's more, you don't have to be an expert to go on a wine tour...as long as you have a passion for food and wine you are ready to go. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful blue mountains and the rolling vineyards you are sure to have the wine adventure of a lifetime!

South Africa has some of the finest vineyards and wineries in the world and due to SA's weak currency it makes wines from this region very affordable.

So when you go on a wine tour to this region you'll find some of SA's best wineries around today. This wine tour will take you to the finest vineyards and wineries where SA's most well know wines comes from. What make these winery tours so special is the fact that while you're busy wine tasting you do not have to worry about drinking and then driving. You can just relax and enjoy the wine, food and scenery.

Wine tastings normally start in the morning and you'll get picked up from the place where you stay. You'll visit various wine farms where countless varieties are grown and some of the finest include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Merlot blends etc.

These wine tours include specialized local guides, wine tastings, winery tours, exceptional wineries and fantastic panoramic vineyards. So for once, set aside all the worries and troubles of daily life and have a taste of the good life by going on a wine tour to the South Africa...

For a limited time only you can go on a Stellenbosch wine tour from as little as $109. For more information click here:Stellenbosch Wine Route. 

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Organic Wines By Fiona C Phillips

The motivating factor behind the production of organic wines is to create a superior, quality wine without compromising on health and safety. In South Africa, buying these wines, whether at the source or online, means enjoying some of the world's finest wines. 

Organic farming means processing as little as possible, avoiding the refinement of raw materials, and ensuring that there are as few additives as possible. It also means that sanitation and hygiene are maintained at optimal levels on all stages of the winemaking process so that harmful pesticides do not become necessary.

So, rather than ensuring that the plants stay absolutely free of any insects, organic farmers are supporting the movement towards allowing healthful organisms to rid the vines of those that may be harmful to them. Organic vines are not particularly pristine in appearance. In fact, they are grown in a far less structured formation and are usually home to a variety of bugs and beetles.

These animals and organisms help to create a healthy ecosystem around the vine, balancing the population and ensuring a healthy plant. This actually lends itself to an even more beautiful vine as it is resplendent in its natural beauty, rather than in its very structured pruning and planting.

In this way, organic wines actually hale from a unique little ecosystem of their own. The South African sunshine and usually temperate seasons provide the ultimate conditions for prime organic wine farming.

Organic vines grow thicker and stronger, and actually yield a better quality grape than regular grapevines. This means better flavour, whether the wine is a Pinotage, Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Merlot. Many of these wines also boast an easier price tag to swallow when sourced from an organic wine farm.

Of course, organic farming is not simply about letting the vine grow without human intervention or pesticides. Farming organically includes fertilising with compost and manure and the use of cover crops, such as vetch and legumes. The organic vine acts as a host plant for the beneficial insects, who then work hard to rid the plant of harmful organisms. 

This mutually beneficial relationship is symbiotic. By stimulating the population of the beneficial insects on the vine, the vine establishes its own pest control system. The organic wine farmer will also often allow 'parcels' of specific other plants to grow near the vine so that they create patches of vegetation. These other plants then form a habitat for the indigenous plants and animals of the area, further enhancing the healthy little ecosystem.

The organic health of the soil is also of utmost importance. The best South African organic wines come from soil that is rich in beneficial life forms, manure and compost (decaying vegetation). The more healthful organisms residing within the soil, the less room there is for harmful pests and pathogens.

A wine farm that wants to embark on organic endeavours needs to submit detailed information regarding their cellar, processes, plans, and site. A qualified inspector will visit the farm and then either issue the correct certification or advise on necessary changes before certification can be granted. In terms of the processing, the inspector will gauge suitability based on ingredients, transport, and even the receiving of all equipment and products.


Organic farming in South Africa may not yet produce enough to sustain all of the wine appreciators who purchase these wines locally and abroad. However, as demand for this healthy alternative increases, wine farmers and key players in the South African wine industry will be forced to consider pursuing an organic approach.

Fiona Phillips has an M.B.A. from the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business and completed several Cape Wine Academy courses, culminating in Diploma II. Her passion for wine and her fascination for the limitless possibilities of the Internet motivated the start-up http://www.cybercellar.com
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The Controversy of Pinotage. By Jennifer Jordan

There are certain wines that everyone knows about: the Merlots, the Chardonnays, and the Champagnes are just a few of those popular enough to be invited to nearly every party. These wines are what the general drinking population has deemed the “Cool Kids.“ But, the “Cool Kids” aren’t made so only because of their characteristics. Sure, Merlots are rich, Chardonnays are smokin’ and Champagnes, especially when mixed with orange juice and accompanied by a side of toast, are known to be good in bed. But, it’s not these reasons alone that make them popular.

Much of their popularity must be attributed to the fact that they are extremely common; simply, they are well known wines. On the other end of the spectrum are those wines that are unpopular; many of these wines aren’t even allowed to sit at the same wine cellar as the “Cool Kids.” But, just as stated above, it’s not the characteristics of the unpopular wines that make them so: it’s simply because they are not common; they are unknown wines. One of these great unknowns is Pinotage. A wine that many people ignore, if a drinker sat down and took a sip out of a bottle, they might discover that it’s just their type.

Pinotage is a South African wine created by a Abraham Izak Perold. Perold, a professor at Stellenbosch University, was known for his skill in chemistry and viticulture. When the Cape Government decided that they wanted to plant a larger variety of grapes on their lands, they sent Perold on a journey to scout and explore; he returned with 177 grape varieties. In 1925, Perold decided to scout and explore on his own in at attempt to find a grape rich with flavor and strength. He found one by crossing two different grapes: Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It made sense that crossing Pinot Noir, a grape with wonderful wine making potential but difficult to grow, with Cinsault, a grape that is tolerant and flourishes easily, would produce a grape filled with all the important qualities. This experiment resulted in a wine love child: Pinotage.

The production of Pinotage was initially marked by controversy: these grapes met wrath. While the controversy stopped just short of grapes protesting to chants of “Hell No, We Wont’ Grow,” it left many wine consumers refusing to take part in sampling. One reason for this was the erroneous belief that Pinotage was a hybrid, a wine made by breeding two grapes from two different species. In actuality, Pinotage is a viticulture cross, a wine made by breeding two grapes from within the same species. Both Pinot Noir and Cinsault are related to vitis viniferous, a European Grapevine.

Pinotage, though it still has its fair share of opponents, has begun to gain ground over the years. In 1959, it became available commercially, but was generally only known inside of South Africa. Its popularity, while dismal in the first years of existence, began to grow when, in 1961, a Bellevue red wine made from Pinotage was named the champion at the Cape Wine Show.

The crown Pinotage wore proved to be revoked rather quickly; it was a short reign. Suddenly, Pinotage was again a faceless wine. However, another wine competition would soon give it a reputation. In 1991, a winemaker by the name of Beyers Truter entered a Pinotage in the International Wine and Spirit Competition. Upon sampling the Pinotage, the judges named him  “Winemaker of the Year.” He was the first South African to ever be bestowed this honor.

Pinotage started to grow on the rest of the world when the unjust system of Apartheid fell; with its removal , international boycotts were also removed and Pinotage began to be sold and traded outside South African boundaries.

True fans of Pinotage attest that it can go well with any type of food. However, its flavor tends to really thrive when paired with certain entrees. A medium-bodied Pinotage, for example, goes considerably well with fresh fish, sushi, and thick soups. A heavy-bodied Pinotage goes well with red meat, venison, barbequed dishes, and oysters.

There are two things about Pinotage that many people must determine on their own: its taste and its ability to age. Fans of Pinotage describe it as tasting of loganberries, blackberries, earth, and banana; to them, it has a flavor that is fruity, distinctive, and refreshing. On the flip side, opponents of Pinotage state that it tastes like “rusty nails.” While the opposition does admit that they have tasted some very good Pinotage, they attribute its success to the skill of the winemaker, not the greatness of the grape.

In regards to aging, Pinotage is not typically a wine that is thought to age well. However, this is a bit of a conundrum: most red wines age as well as Dick Clark. The age question has also been addressed by wine drinkers: many connoisseurs have stated that Pinotages that have aged a few years exhibit stronger and more notable flavors. In general, certain Pinotages were made to age and can sit for up to eight years; others were made to be drank within a year of bottling. When purchasing a Pinotage, a sommelier should be able to tell you which vintages you should keep in your cellar and which vintages you should open up and start drinking on your way to the cash register.

Pinotage, like all types of wine, isn’t for everybody. Some people love it, some people think it’s decent, and some people would rather (gasp!) drink no wine at all. But, the same can be said for just about anything consumable. When it comes down to it, Pinotage is worth a try, if nothing else, to see what the controversy is all about.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

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