As global temperatures rise, wine producers are seeking new locations closer to the poles. In the northern hemisphere, grapes are being grown in previously unimaginable places. In South America, Patagonia is experiencing a rise in vineyards. What about Africa? Cape Agulhas, located about 100 miles east of the Cape of Good Hope, is the southernmost point of the African continent, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Due to its unpredictable currents and rocky coastline, Cape Agulhas has long been dangerous for sailors. In the 17th century, a Cape Town criminal named Olof Bergh would deceive ships by lighting fires, causing them to run aground and be looted. This sparsely populated land, thanks to ocean winds, has some of the coolest conditions on the continent.
Michael Fridjhon, a prominent South African wine writer, believes that South Africa has been less affected by climate change compared to other wine regions due to its cooling influences from Antarctica. However, this hasn’t stopped wine producers from planting vines in Cape Agulhas. The production of wine, particularly communion wine, originated in the village of Elim by Moravian missionaries in the 19th century. The first modern vines were planted in 1996 on the Zoetendal estate. Over time, more vineyards were established in the region, aided and encouraged by Abrie Bruwer of the well-established Springfield Estate in Robertson.
Despite its challenges, such as unpredictable weather variations, winemakers in Cape Agulhas continue to produce exceptional wines. The region’s nomenclature and appellation can be confusing, with some producers using the name Cape Agulhas while others use the name of the Elim ward within the district. The Agulhas Wine Triangle, a promotional body established in 2019, represents the region’s wine producers. Additionally, some wines from the area are labeled as Cape South Coast.
Cederberg estate, located hundreds of miles northwest of Cape Agulhas, produces the Ghost Corner range of wines due to its impressive Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker Jean Nel believes that Cape Agulhas is a hidden gem for South African wine. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, Cape Agulhas producers have diversified into red wine, particularly refined Syrah.
Out of the 33 Cape Agulhas wines tasted in May, most were Sauvignon Blancs, followed by a Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend, Syrahs, and a Chardonnay. Other unique wines in the region, such as those from Sijnn and Olivedale, offer distinct characteristics due to their different terroir and climate. Sijnn produces exceptional red and white blends that cannot be found anywhere else.
In addition to its wine production, the Agulhas Plain is known for the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, which covers 46,000 hectares and has been donated by local farmers for conservation efforts. The area has been cleared of invasive species and native flora and fauna have been protected. The region also reintroduced buffalo and hippo populations. This cooperative effort among farmers ensures a sustainable future for tourism and the production of Cape Agulhas’ unique Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah wines.
For those interested in purchasing Cape Agulhas wines, importers in the UK and US include Bruce Jack Wines, USA Wine West, Bibendum, Regal Wine Imports, Vin Access Global, South to South Wines, Hallgarten, Cape Classics, Raeburn Fine Wines, Vine Street Imports, Caviste, Truvino, Off Piste Wines, and Ellis of Richmond. For further details and stocks, refer to Purple Pages of JancisRobinson.com and Wine-searcher.com.
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