Fact #53
How many different grape varieties are there in South Africa and the world?
The wine is one of the oldest goods and was already cultivated in the advanced civilizations in the Middle East, today’s Egypt/Isreal 8000 years ago. Considering that today the wine is grown all over the world, it can be assumed that there are also hundreds even thousands of crossing of vines.
And indeed, there are an incredible 16,000 different grape varieties in the world. To call all, is already almost impossible, since also constantly new grape varieties come to it. In South Africa alone there are 64 different grape varieties which are grown. Already all these grape varieties to name, distinguish and taste, requires a lot of time, patience and perseverance. But nothing is impossible!
PS: KapWeine carries over 1200 South African wines in its range, of which you can taste 52 different grape varieties. This should probably be enough to get you started on your tasting.