Fact #21

When did wine production begin in South Africa?

Wines from South Africa belong to the so-called “New World”, because the cultivation of wine, not like in Europe, began earlier. But how did the wine come to South Africa and why?

Wine growing in South Africa began in 1652 with the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck near Cape Town, when he was commissioned by the VOC* to establish a provision station for the Europe to India route. He noticed the Mediterranean climate and decided to import grapevines.

Just for sea voyages, the wine was longer lasting than fresh water and in addition, this helped with diseases such as 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 matured wines as well as wines from wineries that house very old vines. Especially with older vines speaks of high quality wines, as they are more profound and finesse.