Making wine in South Africa may seem easy; the climate seems ideal. Dry Mediterranean climate with cooling sea breezes and rarely too high temperatures. A really pleasant growing season for the vines.
Often it is, but unfortunately, drought is a problem that appears from time to time (as can flooding be). Nothing is perfect, but the fact that South Africa makes great wines is undeniable.
The vines are found in a relatively limited area in the Western Cape, in the southernmost part of the country. But the growing conditions vary. There is a big difference between the southern areas that are influenced by the cool Ocean stretching towards Antarctica and the northern, warmer parts inland. Today, the producers are keen to take advantage of these differences to make wine in different styles.
After a couple of days in Cape Town, we travel around the wine regions and then have the opportunity to see and feel these differences in the wines for ourselves.
We visit classic regions such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Swartland and Tulbagh in the north, Paarl, and Walker Bay on the cool south coast.
We also have time for some sightseeing in Cape Town. Table Mountain is a must, and also the Cape of Good Hope, where wild waves crash against the rocks. You have time to stroll around Stellenbosch and look at the unique chalky-white Cape Dutch houses. And admire the beautiful mountains that watch over Franschhoek. And walk along the sea in Hermanus.
The wine country that has everything?
Come on this fabulous wine tour to South Africa with Britt and Per of BKWine, one of the world’s leading wine tour operators (*).
Book now!
(*) And the only one who has authored 13 award-winning wine books.
More inspiration: You can get an even better feeling for what you will experience on this tour if you visit the latest tour’s own Facebook group. Lots of pictures and videos from the tour. See pictures and videos from South Africa in the latest wine tour’s Facebook group.
Wine Travel at Its Finest
When you travel with BKWine, you travel with true wine authorities: Britt and Per Karlsson. For over 20 years, we have personally created and led hundreds of tours for thousands of wine lovers across Europe, South Africa, South America, and Oceania. We are the authors of 13 award-winning books, recognised by the Swedish Academy of Gastronomy, Gourmand International, and the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). Our publications are frequently used as core material in both professional and enthusiast wine education.
Our expertise is globally recognised. We have been named “Best Wine Guide” and “Best Wine Tour Operator” by the Wine Travel Awards, and our journeys have been hailed as the “World’s Top Wine Tours” by the world’s leading travel media. Beyond our tours, we write in-depth on wine for BKWine Magazine and are regular contributors to Forbes.com and frequently serve as expert judges in prestigious international wine competitions. We have also acted as speakers and advisors on wine tourism for organisations, regions and nations including the UN (UNWTO), The World Bank, Vinitaly, Ukraine, the Languedoc and others.
Our mission is to provide you with an unparalleled wine and culinary experience. The gastronomy on our tours is legendary. Because we personally design every itinerary and have visited thousands of estates over the decades, we know exactly where to find the most authentic people and the most unique, hidden gems. We don’t always take you to “the big and famous”—that would be too easy. Instead, we focus on unique rencontres: meaningful encounters with people, wine, and food.
We aren’t here to sell you bottles; we are here to provide a profound wine experience and memories that last a lifetime—all while ensuring you have a truly wonderful time. When you choose BKWine, you are travelling with the experts, with Britt and Per, who created the journey, ensuring you receive the very best experience possible.
