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.
Olifants River incorporates the wards of Vredendal, Spruitdrift, Lutzville Valley and Koekenaap. The latter near the seaside town of Hermanus, is now the source of some of South Africa s finest, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. These vineyards, some of which are close to the sea, benefit from cool Atlantic breezes. The soils, weathered shales and the terroir, are ideal for cool climate loving varieties. In addition to these claims to fame, however, Paarl is also one of South Africa s premier wine producing districts, and home to some of her most prestigious wine producers and most progressive co-operatives.