Yes, this blog post title can be read two ways – but we’re not talking about leaving South Africa for foreign shores, we’re talking about raising a glass to why South Africa is a great destination for international expats who love their wine!

South Africa is one of the top wine production regions in the world with Cape Town offering the mild Mediterranean climate that is perfect for growing grapes that produce very palatable wines. Most of the vineyards around the Western Cape are situated 50 km from the coast where the climate is mild and temperatures are maintained.

The top wine-growing regions are Constantia, Stellenbosch, the Breede River Valley, Elgin, Franschhoek, Paarl, The Swartland and Worcester. Today South Africa prides itself in coming in the top 10 of the most prolific producers of wine in the world.

South Africa: Proudly New World Wine

South Africa is considered a New World Wine region along with New Zealand, California and Australia. New World regions tend to have a shorter ‘growing’ history than those of the Old World Regions – France, Spain, Portugal and Germany – and also have a warmer climate. Grapes were first planted in South Africa in 1655 and the wines from Constantia soon became famous across the world. Many people claim South Africa’s wines cross the bridge between Old World and New World wines as they often have earthy flavours that hint of ripe, silky fruit.

Popular Wines in South Africa

• The South African Sauvignon Blanc. South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc wines go well on a hot summer day, enjoyed on their own or with a delicious meal. Varying from fruity to containing fresh green notes and flavours of peaches, there is no shortage of this wonderful wine, the only battle is working through them and finding your favourite!
• The South African Chenin Blanc. This wine is usually quite dry with hints of yellow apple and jasmine. It’s a great accompaniment to seafood and lazy days on the beach.
• The South African Pinotage. Pinotage is fast becoming a red wine favourite and combines smoky blackberry and cherry flavours. Great with any grilled meat – from a burger to your favourite sirloin.
• The South African Merlot: This popular red wine is dark purple or almost blue in colour and has a fresh and fruity taste, full of dark berries. Grown on estates in colder areas, it comes into season more quickly than other red grapes. Merlot should be enjoyed with meat and pasta dishes to bring out the best flavours in the wine

South Africa’s wines are awarded internationally

The International Wine Challenge 2016 was held in London in May and involved two weeks of blind tasting performed by international wine experts. South Africa was awarded 21 gold medals, 98 silver and 169 bronze medals, bringing the total to 288!

The world’s biggest wine producers

1. France
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. USA
5. Argentina
6. Australia
7. South Africa
8. China
9. Chile
10. Germany

If you’re an expat living in South Africa or any country in the world and need advice about your financial migration, contact us today and we’ll help you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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