Old established though its wine industry is, South Africa’s headway in the international market dates from the ending of apartheid-related sanctions. Fortunately the days of international embargos are past and an industry that was originally created as part of the re-stocking station for the Dutch East India Company is beginning to thrive. It is an exciting work in progress, with new regions being planted and new varieties experimented with and showing enormous promise.

Centuries-old wineries can be found in the Cape. South African wine farms, as they are locally known, tend to be inland a little and under the Indian and Atlantic Oceans’ maritime influence. The country produces Africa’s best wines, some of which are exceptional players on the international stage.