Fact #21
When did viticulture begin in South Africa?
Wines from South Africa belong to the "New World" as viticulture started later there than in Europe. But how did wine come to South Africa and why?
Winegrowing in South Africa began in 1652 with the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck near Cape Town, when he was tasked by the VOC* to establish a provisioning station for the route from Europe to India. He noticed the Mediterranean climate and decided to import grape varieties.
Especially for sea voyages, wine kept longer than fresh water and also helped with diseases like scurvy.
In 1655, Jan van Riebeeck consequently planted the first vine and pressed it for the first time in February 1659.
*Vereenigde Geoctroyeerde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company)
PS: KapWeine also carries aged wines and wines from wineries with very old vines. Especially with older vines, one speaks of high-quality wines, as they are deeper and more refined.
