These wine estates are situated mainly on the hill slopes. The soils here, known as Clovelly and Hutton, are deep and well drained. Sea breezes moderate the summer heat and dry the atmosphere thereby minimising the risk of fungus and disease. This is an elongated region, running east to wet from Montagu to Oudtshoorn. The climate is one of extremes with warm summers and lower rainfall.
Vineyards tend to be planted in river valleys where water for irrigation is plentiful.
The Little Karoo produces some of South Africa s most renowned fortified wines. Look out also for Chenin Blanc, as this grape s naturally high acidity and fruitiness makes it particularly suitable for warmer areas. This region stretches in a belt from north to south along the broad valley of the Olifants River. Again, summers are relatively warm compared to some of South Africa s other wine areas and rainfall is relatively low. Soils vary from sandy soils to red clay loams.