Grape varieties and wine styles Climate and soil The wine industry Regions And Producers Zimbabwe Cities

There are 4,900 growers cultivating 93,250ha (230,325 acres) of vines throughout the south?western Cape. Four main types of producer exist: producing wholesalers, cooperatives, private producers and estate wineries. Many of the 70 cooperatives can now offer good quality and value for money. There are five producing wholesalers: KWV, Bellingham, Distillers Corporation, Gilbey Vintners and Stellenbosch Farmers' Winery (SFW is the fifth?largest winery in the world and the biggest in South Africa after KWV). These companies make wine from grapes grown in their own vineyards, as well asbuying in grapes and wine and blending wine under brand names. There are 83 estate wineries, which use only grapes grown on their own or nearby land.

South Africa ranks as the world's eighth?largest producer, with just over 3% of total world production. Annual consumption is nine litres per head. Historically, most wines were sold through domestic wholesalers but with the lifting of sanctions and more receptive foreign markets, an increasing amount is now exported.