Coastal Region
The Coastal Region of South Africa, located on the west coast, encompasses a large area of viticulture in this country, almost half. As this is a large area, there are many different types of climates; maritime for areas near the Atlantic Ocean, and more continental for zones to the east, where mountains are located. Soils vary from granite to shale to sandstone.
Red grapes dominate plantings, with Pinotage leading the way, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Leading white varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
Within the Coastal Region, there are nine sub-regions, including Paarl, Swartland and Stellenbosch, probably the best known growing area of South Africa (especially for its Cabernet Sauvignon). This is a burgeoning wine industry, and quality has improved dramatically over the last ten to fifteen years, with prices in some cases reaching the $40-$50 range for the leading red blends.