The Wines of South Africa

Analyses South Africa’s wine industry and its key geological, geographical, and climatic conditions. It describes the major grape varieties and wine styles. A section on the challenges the industry faces is followed by an inspection of the major growing areas of South Africa and the most important producers operating in each one.

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South Africa is the eighth largest wine-producer in the world and its wine industry is among the oldest of the New World. Today it is one of the globe’s most dynamic industries, compact but diverse. In the past decade a new generation of winemakers has breathed life into centuries-old estates and new, boutique brands alike. The Wines of South Africa begins by introducing readers to the history of South African wine, starting with the arrival of the Dutch and the establishment of what would become Cape Town. Clarke then analyses South Africa’s industry today including the geological, geographical, and climatic conditions that create the parameters and potential of South African wine. He describes the major grape varieties and wine styles and outlines the broad range of wines being produced. The book the current infrastructure of the industry paying particular attention to the role of Black and coloured people in the wine industry since the end of apartheid. Key challenges facing the industry are explored, including profitability and the loss of vineyards as farmers switch to higher-margin orchards; environmental concerns, the effects of climate change, and water conservation; and the legacy of apartheid and continued imbalances in the socioeconomic structure of the Western Cape. The major growing areas of South Africa are described in turn, including an explanation of the Wine of Origin scheme, and the most important producers operating in each one.