South African wine has a history dating back to 1659, with the first bottle produced in Cape Town by its founder Jan van Riebeeck. Access to international markets led to new investment in the South African wine market. Production is concentrated around Cape Town, with major vineyard and production centres at Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester. There are about 60 appellations within the Wine of Origin (WO) system, which was implemented in 1973 with a hierarchy of designated production regions, districts and wards. 

A note about Pinotage is a grape variety that was created in South Africa in 1925. It combine the best qualities of the robust Hermitage with Pinot noir, a grape that makes great wine but can be difficult to grow.