South African wine has a history dating back to 1659, and at one time Constantia was considered one of the greatest wines in the world. Under apartheid, the industry struggled with inferior grape varieties and industrial winemaking, but the dismantling of the old state cooperatives and access to international markets has unleashed a burst of new energy and new investment.

Production is concentrated around Cape Town, with major vineyard and production centres at Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.