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

Coastal Region WO Boberg Region WO Breede River Valley Region Klein Karoo Region WO Olitants River Region WO Non-specific Regional Districts Constantia Ward WO Durbanville Ward WO Stellenbosch District WO Paarl District WO

Paarl, 50km (30 miles) northeast of Cape Town, is a major wine district, with 19.5% of South Africa's vineyards, some of its best producers and innovative cooperatives. It is also the centre of KWVs international activities and the venue for the annual Neder-burg wine auction.

The climate is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and wet winters. Irrigation is necessary only in very dry years. Soils vary from sandstone in the fertile Berg Valley, granite around Paarl itself and weathered slate in the north?east. Although mainly a white?wine district, with good Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, higher?altitude vineyards are well suited to the production of fine red wines: among the most successful are Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. Producers are correcting their initial tendency to over?oaki many are barrel?fermenting.

Paarl embraces the ward of Franschhoek WO ("French Corner" ? settled by Huguenots). The area has retained its French character, reflected in the oak?aged wines and the country's best Cap Classique (traditional?method) sparkling wine made at Clos Cabriere.

There are many good producers, including Backsberg, Clos Cabriere (Pierre Jourdan Blanc de Blancs), Claridge, Dieu Donne (fine Chardonnay), Fairview, Glen Carlou, La Motte, Nederburg (for late-harvest wines), Simonsvlei co?op, Villiera. (excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot).