A world in the winelands

South Africa’s winelands are an integral part of the country’s wine story, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the landscapes, people and places behind the wines.

Across 23 wine routes, South Africa offers a remarkably diverse wine tourism landscape. Each region is shaped by its own climate, soils, heritage and winemaking traditions, creating distinctive wines and equally distinctive visitor experiences.

Wine remains at the heart of the journey. Visitors can explore vineyards and cellars, meet winemakers and viticulturists, discover regional wine styles and gain a deeper understanding of the provenance behind South African wine. These experiences connect the wine in the glass with the land, people and traditions that shape it.

Today, wine tourism also extends well beyond the tasting room. South Africa’s wine routes offer a wide range of experiences including restaurants and local food, accommodation, nature and outdoor activities, art and culture, wellness, events and family-friendly experiences. This diversity allows visitors to engage with wine country in different ways, whether they are dedicated wine enthusiasts or simply looking to experience the character of a region.

From well-known destinations to smaller wine regions further afield, exploring South Africa’s winelands reveals a broad spectrum of landscapes, communities, wine styles and stories. Encouraging visitors to travel beyond the most familiar routes also supports greater regional dispersal and allows more wine regions to benefit from tourism.

At its core, South African wine tourism is about provenance, place and people. It offers visitors the opportunity to understand where the wine comes from, experience the environment in which it is produced and connect with the people who bring it to life.

Discover South Africa’s 23 wine routes by downloading the South African Wine Routes map or visiting the Visit SA Winelands website.