Chardonnay in South Africa

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Major Cape Chardonnay Growing Regions

South African Chardonnay Forum

Chardonnay has been a relative late-comer to the South African vineyard landscape.

The planting of this great white grape of Burgundy only really began to take root in the 1980s after a period of trial, error and experimentation with the finding of plant material best-suited to South African conditions.

By 1990 Chardonnay only comprised 1.5% of all of South Africa's vineyards, with De Wetshof, Backsberg and Simonsig generally regarded as this varieties pioneers in the country.

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Fun facts about Chardonnay wine

The Chardonnay grape is the most planted white wine grape worldwide.

There are at least 34 varieties of Chardonnay grape used for making wine in different regions.

The grape originated in a small village of Chardonnay in France. The name originally meant 'place of thistles”.

Chardonnay started trending as a baby name in the UK around 2002 because of a character in 'Footballer's Wives.”

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Chardonnay Advanced Version

WSET Level 3 and 4

Chief Taster and owner of West London Wine School, South London Wine School and Streatham Wine House, Jimmy Smith, takes you through the famous Chardonnay in great detail.

Latest News
Paul Clüver Chardonnay Named Best White Wine at Prestigious Trophy Wine Show

Pioneering Elgin producer Paul Clüver Family Wines confirmed its reputation as one of South Africa's leading Chardonnay producers in winning two trophies at this year's prestigious Trophy Wine Show with the Paul Clüver Estate Chardonnay 2020.

by SA Chardonnay Forum  |  7 July 2022
Taking Cape Chardonnay to Infinity and Beyond

The South African Chardonnay Forum has been re-launched under chairmanship of Johann de Wet, CEO of De Wetshof Estate. In a Q&A he outlines the objectives and flies the flag for Cape Chardonnay.

by SA Chardonnay Forum  |  29 July 2021
De Wetshof mines Gold at Decanter with awards now more important than ever

The Gold medals went to the De Wetshof Lesca 2020 - labelled 'Finesse' in South Africa - and to the Bateleur Chardonnay 2018.

by Emile Joubert  |  9 July 2021