For a long time, South Africa's wines have fought hard to compete with their Old World rivals in terms of reputation globally.
For a long time, South Africa's wines have fought hard to compete with their Old World rivals in terms of reputation globally.
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But this is slowly changing, as quality wines from the region are gaining recognition, and the industry continues to grow.
But this is slowly changing, as quality wines from the region are gaining recognition, and the industry continues to grow.
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The Western Cape is responsible for most of the nation's wine making, with Constantia and Stellenbosch (pictured) the most famous areas within the region.<br />
The Western Cape is responsible for most of the nation's wine making, with Constantia and Stellenbosch (pictured) the most famous areas within the region.
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At the country's annual Nederburg auction in September, prices per litre for the wines on sale hit an all-time high, with red wines seeing a 50% increase in the average price.
At the country's annual Nederburg auction in September, prices per litre for the wines on sale hit an all-time high, with red wines seeing a 50% increase in the average price.
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The industry has seen a boost over the past 10 years, and it is predicted to keep growing, according to a recent report by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy.
The industry has seen a boost over the past 10 years, and it is predicted to keep growing, according to a recent report by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy.
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Global exports increased from 151.6 million liters in 2000 to 423.5 million liters in 2015. This is projected to increase by a further 13% by 2025.
Global exports increased from 151.6 million liters in 2000 to 423.5 million liters in 2015. This is projected to increase by a further 13% by 2025.
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Foreign investors such as Richard Branson and French wine giant AdVini are buying up vineyards in South Africa as the country's quality wines gain ground on the global market, with quality reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon taking the lead.
Foreign investors such as Richard Branson and French wine giant AdVini are buying up vineyards in South Africa as the country's quality wines gain ground on the global market, with quality reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon taking the lead.
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While a large amount of wine is exported around the African continent, producers in South Africa are increasingly looking towards the U.S. and Asia as their target export markets. The Chinese are among those who are warming up to the South African flavors, and in 2015 exports to China jumped by 40%.
While a large amount of wine is exported around the African continent, producers in South Africa are increasingly looking towards the U.S. and Asia as their target export markets. The Chinese are among those who are warming up to the South African flavors, and in 2015 exports to China jumped by 40%.
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South Africa is home to around 100,000 hectares of vineyards employing 300,000 people. The industry makes up 2% of GDP.
South Africa is home to around 100,000 hectares of vineyards employing 300,000 people. The industry makes up 2% of GDP.
Wine was first planted here by European settlers in the 17th century. The oldest fruit-bearing vine in the Southern Hemisphere is located in Cape Town, a Crouchen Blanc planted in around 1771.
Wine was first planted here by European settlers in the 17th century. The oldest fruit-bearing vine in the Southern Hemisphere is located in Cape Town, a Crouchen Blanc planted in around 1771.
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One aspect that sets South Africa's wine industry apart is the ubiquity of ethical accreditations. It is the largest producer of Fairtrade wine -- <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fairtrade.org.uk%2Fen%2Fmedia-centre%2Fnews%2Fseptember-2016%2Ffairtrade-at-wines-of-south-africa-trade-tasting-event" target="_blank" target="_blank">accounting for two-thirds</a> of global sales.
One aspect that sets South Africa's wine industry apart is the ubiquity of ethical accreditations. It is the largest producer of Fairtrade wine -- accounting for two-thirds of global sales.
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Some organic producers take this one step further, by using ducks to keep their vines in shape as seen here in Paarl, 31 miles from Cape Town. The ducks patrol the long rows of vines in the hunt for snails. Predatory wasps and beetles are also released to tackle mealy bugs which feed on plant sap.
Some organic producers take this one step further, by using ducks to keep their vines in shape as seen here in Paarl, 31 miles from Cape Town. The ducks patrol the long rows of vines in the hunt for snails. Predatory wasps and beetles are also released to tackle mealy bugs which feed on plant sap.
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The industry produces a mix of grape varieties. Chenin Blanc and Colombard, its close cousin, are the most popular whites produced, while Cabernet Sauvignon is the favorite among the reds.
The industry produces a mix of grape varieties. Chenin Blanc and Colombard, its close cousin, are the most popular whites produced, while Cabernet Sauvignon is the favorite among the reds.
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In terms of New World varieties, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, is the most notable.
In terms of New World varieties, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, is the most notable.
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The industry may be be predicted to grow, but there could be trouble ahead. In recent years growers have dealt with drought in some of South Africa's wine regions and wildfires in others, and some say climate change could continue to complicate an already unpredictable climate.
The industry may be be predicted to grow, but there could be trouble ahead. In recent years growers have dealt with drought in some of South Africa's wine regions and wildfires in others, and some say climate change could continue to complicate an already unpredictable climate.
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