Stellenbosch

The district is a patchwork of valleys, slopes and smaller wards rather than one consistent growing environment. Cabernet Sauvignon is its leading international reference point, supported by a long tradition of red blends. Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz and Chardonnay also provide useful ways to explore the range of local sites.

Names such as Bottelary, Jonkershoek Valley and Polkadraai Hills add geographical detail. The wine route’s touring sub-routes are useful for visitors, but they do not have exactly the same boundaries as legal wine wards. When choosing a bottle, use the Wine of Origin statement rather than a cellar’s address to identify the grapes’ source.