Western Cape
It is by far the best known and most emblematic geographical area of South Africa. It is home to the prestigious regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Cape Town can be considered the epicenter of the wine region; the climate is essentially Mediterranean. The Western Cape region is crossed by spectacular mountain ranges which are particularly important for viticulture because they form particularly interesting microclimates for varietal diversity.
The sub-region: Elgin
Elgin is located in a basin nestled among the mountains. Elgin rises between 250 and 400m above sea level and this, coupled with the prevailing southerly winds, contributes to the cool climate which characterizes its terroir and its wines. It was traditionally an apple growing region. The bowl-shaped topography promotes self-regulation of temperature: as the ground warms, the valley draws in colder air from the Atlantic, causing clouds to condense and form a protective blanket against the sun.