Travel Guide to Coastal Region Wine Region

The Coastal Region wine region is a wine region located in the southern regions of South Africa. The Coastal Region wine region is the most important wine region in South Africa. It is home to almost all the country’s top wine districts. The Coastal Region wine region contains the longest-established growing areas in South Africa. These areas are close to the city of Cape Town and extend north along the Atlantic coast and east along the curve of False Bay. The most significant wine district of the Coastal Region wine region is Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is a major player in the international wine industry and is home to South Africa’s best-known wine estates. This famous wine town is internationally recognised as the birthplace of Pinotage grapes.

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Wines of Coastal Region Wine Region

Where to taste wines of Coastal Region Wine Region

List of places you shouldn't miss in Coastal Region Wine Region

The gastronomy of Coastal Region Wine Region

Wines that represent the ocean, mountains and valleys of this magnificent land

The Coastal Region wine region of South Africa encompasses 8 wine districts and 17 wine wards (wards are the segment most defined by unique, Terroir characteristics) in the Western Cape Province. The Coastal Region wine region borders with Breede River Valley and Cape South Coast wine regions. The Coastal Region wine region is the historic birthplace of the South African wine industry including the country’s most famous winemaking towns of Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Darling and Constantia. Chenin Blanc is one of the region’s most prominent grapes along with Bordeaux and Pinotage in the Coastal Region wine region.  

Wine Map of Coastal Region Wine Region

You can also check out our interactive map of the Coastal Region Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

The Coastal Region Wine Region and its wines  

Wine districts and Climate of Coastal Region

The Coastal Region wine region includes the wine districts of Cape Town, Darling, Franschoek, Lutzville, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Tulbagh, and Wellington. The location of the Coastal Region wine region and its proximity to the Atlantic coast and False Bay means that the Coastal Region wine region is exposed to cool winds from both bodies of water. The Coastal Region wine region of South Africa was demarcated to enable producers to blend wines from different districts with a maritime climate, but to market them under one name of origin. Many of South Africa’s best-known wine regions are located within the borders of the Coastal Region wine region. The South African wine industry began in the Coastal Region wine region and this region has played a major role in the viticultural history and development of the country.

The Birthplace of Pinotage

The Coastal Region wine region is internationally recognised as the birthplace of Pinotage. The Coastal Pinotage wines are made from the more unusual Pinotage grape varietal. These wines match a rustic meal and are especially great when paired with grilled lamb, fish, veggies and robust cheeses such as aged cheddar, blue cheese or smoked Gouda. The highlights of the Coastal Region wine region include the Topiary Winery and Estate and the Bellevue Wine Estate. The Topiary winery has typical grape varieties to produce fabulous sparkling wines along the Klein Drakenstein mountain range. The Bellevue winery and estate is the perfect place to taste the Coastal Region wines paired with local foods and culinary delights.

Upcoming regions of the Coastal Region Wine Region

One of the most wonderful parts of the Coastal Region wine region is the Constantia Valley. This wine valley is situated right beneath the Table Mountain National park in Cape Town. It is the oldest winemaking region in the Southern Hemisphere and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some world-class wines. The Constantia Valley has something for everyone – award-winning wine estates, festivals, tours, adrenaline-based activities and top-class restaurants. All of this, just 30 minutes from the Cape Town International Airport!

What to Expect from Wines of Coastal Region Wine Region

The Coastal Region wine region of South Africa is known for the production of white, red and rose wines.

The Coastal Region wine region red wines consist mainly of blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz and Malbec. The test of the red wines can be described as elegant, nuanced, balanced and flavourful. The red wines of the Coastal Region wine region have the character of roasted oak, dark berries, plum, chocolate, mint and coffee. Often these flavours are enhanced with hints of burnt or smoky tones.

The most prominent white wine of the Coastal Region wine region is Sauvignon Blanc which is a crisp and fruity wine. The Sauvignon Blancs of the Coastal Region wine region is highly nuanced and structured wines. The roses produced in the Coastal Region wine region are produced using mainly Cinsault. These are dry wines with the tastes of black tea, raspberry, violet, red currant and tart cherries.

Where to Taste Wines from Coastal Region Wine Region

Discover the birthplace of the South African wine industry with us. In the Coastal Region wine region, we have a big array of local partners who are offering unforgettable wine experiences.

Check out some of them bellow, choose your favourite and let us arange the rest for you.

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards can be found in Franschoek in the Coastal Region wine region. This winery is the perfect combination of modern design, a relaxed atmosphere, innovative food and excellent wines. The winery also gets its name from its commitment to the conservation of the magnificent Cape Mountain Leopard.

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La Motte

La Motte is present in the stunning Franschhoek Valley in the Coastal Region wine region. The winery produces world-renowned excellent wines.

Visit La Motte, enjoy your wine paired with amazing food in a beautiful natural setting and listen to the story of German immigrants starting with purchasing land in the 1700s till today's wine production.

Check out full list of Wineries in Coastal Region Wine Region!

Places to Visit in Coastal Region Wine Region

Swartland - The most scenic landscapes and the most magnificent wines

The beautiful and scenic Swartland region, located in the Coastal Region wine region is made up of the towns of Malmesbury, Darling, Piketberg, Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. Darling is by far the most popular of the Swartland towns and is a gem to visit. The town boasts the most spectacular wildflowers during the Spring and the Darling Wildflower Show celebrates the species of the Cape Floral Kingdom each year. The area is internationally known as Cap Floral Region and is protected by UNESCO since 2004. Visitors to Darling cannot miss a trip to Evita se Perron, the old Darling train station that has been transformed by well-known South African satirist Pieter Dirk Uys.

Tulbagh - Mountains, wine, scenery and heritage

Tulbagh is a rural village nestled in the surrounding mountains. This quaint village is the fourth oldest town in South Africa and is located in the Coastal Region wine region. Its charming streets are lined with various Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian heritage sites.

The valley in which Tulbagh lies is one of the most serene and untouched in the Coastal Region wine region. Tulbagh is the perfect destination for all seasons. The village provides the perfect base for exploring the nearby wineries and wine-growing areas. This beautiful destination provides a range of activities and opportunities for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, families, wine lovers and those looking for a break from city life.

Natural Beauties of the Coastal Region Wine Region

The Coastal Region wine region of the Western Cape is truly one of the most naturally beautiful regions in the winemaking world. The landscapes of the Coastal Region wine region vary dramatically from majestic looming mountains to oceans which go on for as far as the eye can see. The Coastal Region wine region is a true spectacle of nature that should be an item on everyone’s bucket list.

Cape of Good Hope - The southern tip of the Cape Peninsula

The Cape of Good Hope is the name given to the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in the Coastal Region wine region. This point lies approximately 50 km south of the City of Cape Town. Historically this point was of significance as it is where the first Portuguese sailors rounded the cape en route to the East. The tumultuous waters of the point are what gave it its name. Today the Cape of Good Hope is a secluded national park that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa. Visitors to the park can access the various untouched beaches, hike, mountain bike, and spend time admiring the extraordinary fauna and flora in the coastal areas in South Africa.

Middelberg Waterfall - Perfect for Family Advanture

The Middelberg Waterfall is located in the Algeria campsite and reserve in the magnificent Cederberg Mountains in the coastal areas in South Africa. To access this waterfall, visitors need to do a 6km walk that should take approximately 3 hours. The walk is fairly easy with a moderate climb and is perfect for children. Once you have reached the waterfall, it is the perfect spot for swimming, boulder hopping and relaxing under the gushing waters.

Devil’s Peak  - The backdrop to the beautiful City of Cape Town

Devil’s Peak is the mountain which provides the famous backdrop to the City of Cape Town in the Coastal Region wine region. The mountain sits to the left of the world-renowned Table Mountain. Devil’s Peak is an impressive 1000 meters tall and is home to a number of landmarks. These include Rhodes Memorial and Mostert’s Mill – the only working windmill in Africa. For the most adventurous visitors, Devil’s Peak provides some wonderful hiking opportunities along the Knife’s Edge path and the upper traverse. For the lucky hikers, they might be able to spot eland, wildebeest or even zebra along with their adventures!

Discover the top Coastal Region of South Africa Wine Tour Guides and explore the finest Guided Wine Tours.

What to eat in Coastal Region Wine Region

The Coastal Region wine region is a haven for food lovers. The area’s rich history and the influence of global food trends mean that there is a wide range of dishes to satisfy everyone. The cape has a unique multi-cultural history with influences from the Cape Dutch era, the French and the settlers from the East. Visiting the Coastal Region wine region is a true journey and adventure for your taste buds.

Pampoenkoekies - The taste of grandma’s cooking

Ask any South African and they will tell you that Pampoenkoekies are the true taste of home. Pampoenkoekies are directly translated to pumpkin fritters. These delicious treats became a staple in South African homes as pumpkins grow all year round, are affordable and are easy to access. Pampoenkoekies are eaten piping hot as a dessert or as a side dish to the main meal. They are best enjoyed sprinkled with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.

Hoenderpastei - An old-fashioned culinary gem

Hoenderpastei or chicken pie is a truly traditional South African gem in the Coastal Region wine region. Traditionally, when making a chicken pie, the pastry is made the day before and left to refrigerate before being filled. The delicious taste of the pastry comes from the use of pure butter when making it. There are a few tricks that make a hoenderpastei different from your average chicken pie. The filling of this pie is made with stock and milk, giving it a deliciously creamy texture. Along with the chicken and the vegetables, bacon is added to make it even more decadent.

Sosatie - The magic dish to all South African barbeques

A sosatie is a traditional South African meat skewer and is eaten all over the Coastal Region wine region. This skewer is normally made with either lamb, chicken or mutton covered in a flavoursome sauce. This skewer is then cooked over a traditional ‘braai’ or barbeque. Recipes for sosaties vary across the country. In the Coastal Region wine region, they are most commonly made with cubed lamb, beef or chicken, dried apricots, red onions and mixed peppers. It is common knowledge that no South African sunny day barbeque is complete with a tasty sosatie.

Frequently Asked Questions about Coastal Region Wine Region

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