Cape South Coast
The Cape South Coast is a recently designated South African wine region which is part of the Western Cape. It is located to the east of the Coastal region where most of South African wine production takes place. Due to its proximity to the ocean, cool climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are much more successful here than in most other parts of the country. Sparkling wine production is also experiencing some growth. Six wine-growing areas are located within its territory: Cape Agulhas, Elgin (considered the coolest part of South Africa), Overberg, Plettenberg Bay, Swellendam and Walker Bay.
The sub-region: The Swartland
Traditionally a grain-producing region, Swartland, whose name means "Black Land" in Dutch, has become in around fifteen years one of the most emblematic wine-growing regions in South Africa. The topography of the region is very varied and vineyards can be found on mountainsides or on the rolling hills that dot the region. The climate is warm Mediterranean with oceanic influences as we get closer to the Atlantic coast. The warm climate greatly reduces the incidence of disease. The rainfall is 400 mm per year but the region includes many plots of old vines with very low yields. The floors are mainly composed of slates. There are also pockets of granite particularly around the Paardeberg mountain. The main grape varieties of the region are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Chenin Blanc.