Coastal Region
Coastal Region
Forming the core of the South African wine industry, the Coastal Region is located in the Western Cape, and accounts for half of the vineyard area in South Africa. Encompassing amongst others, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Constantia, the area is closely linked with South Africa's viticultural history. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and mountain ranges to the south and east, the topography of the region creates a cooler maritime climate near to the coast and a more settled Mediterranean climate further inland. A wide range of soil types is found here, with granite, schist and sandstone common. Grape varieties planted across the region are diverse, with the cooler regions home to plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, and the warmer inland areas close to the mountain ranges fostering the production of Pinotage, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. Pockets of vineyards also produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, blending them to produce a Bordeaux-style red wine.
