South Africa

Question 1

When was Cape Town founded and by whom?

Answer 1

Cape Town was founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company.

Question 2

What was the first wine produced in the Cape Colony criticized for?

Answer 2

The first wines were criticized for their ‘revolting sourness.’

Question 3

Who were the French Huguenots and what did they contribute to South African winemaking?

Answer 3

The French Huguenots were settlers who brought new winemaking knowledge to South Africa in the late 1680s and early 1690s.

Question 4

What is Vin de Constance?

Answer 4

Vin de Constance is a sweet wine introduced by Governor Simon van der Stel at the Constantia estate.

Question 5

What major challenges faced the South African wine industry in the late 19th century?

Answer 5

The industry faced powdery mildew, phylloxera, and competition from French wines after the abolition of preferential tariffs in 1861.

Question 6

What is the KWV and what role did it play in the South African wine industry?

Answer 6

The KWV is a cooperative of wine producers and growers that fixed minimum prices and established production limits.

Question 7

What significant change occurred in the South African wine industry after the end of apartheid in 1994?

Answer 7

The end of apartheid spurred a renewal in the industry and opened export markets.

Question 8

What is the South African Wine Industry Trust (SAWIT) and when was it established?

Answer 8

SAWIT was established in 1999 to speed transformation of the South African wine industry.

Question 9

What does the Wine of Origin (WO) system ensure?

Answer 9

The WO system ensures that wines meet specific organoleptic qualities and contain a minimum percentage of the stated grape.

Question 10

List the four types of production areas defined by the Wine of Origin system.

Answer 10

• Geographical unit
• Region
• District
• Ward

Question 11

What is the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme (IPW)?

Answer 11

The IPW is a voluntary certification for WO producers to comply with sustainable environmental standards.

Question 12

Which grape variety is the most planted white grape in South Africa?

Answer 12

Chenin Blanc, known locally as Steen.

Question 13

What is Pinotage and why is it significant?

Answer 13

Pinotage is a crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir and is referred to as South Africa’s signature red grape.

Question 14

What are the two most planted varieties in the Stellenbosch district?

Answer 14

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sauvignon Blanc

Question 15

What is the climate like in the Western Cape region of South Africa?

Answer 15

The climate is Mediterranean with warm, sunny growing seasons.

Question 16

What type of wines is produced in the Klein Karoo region?

Answer 16

Fortified and sweet wines.

Question 17

What is the significance of Groot Constantia in South African wine history?

Answer 17

Groot Constantia was sold to Hendrik Cloete in 1778 and brought international acclaim to South African wines.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The Cape Doctor is a strong _______ wind that influences the climate in the Western Cape.

Answer 18

[southeasterly]

Question 19

True or False: The majority of South African wine production occurs in the Northern Cape.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

What are the main grapes grown in the Olifants River Region?

Answer 20

• Colombard
• Chenin Blanc

Question 21

What is the significance of the Nederburg Wine Auction?

Answer 21

It is the oldest annual wine auction outside of Europe, showcasing rare Cape wines.

Question 22

What is the role of the South African Wine and Spirit Board?

Answer 22

It oversees the certification processes for quality wines under the WO system.

Question 23

What two districts are included in the Olifants River Region?

Answer 23

Citrusdal Mountain and Citrusdal Valley

The region is located to the north of Swartland.

Question 24

What grape varieties are chiefly purposed for bulk wines in the Olifants River Region?

Answer 24

Colombard and Chenin Blanc

These varieties are significant in the region’s winemaking.

Question 25

What is the name of South Africa’s largest co-operative winery located in the Olifants River Region?

Answer 25

Namaqua ## Footnote This winery plays a crucial role in the local wine industry.

Question 26

Which ward is well known for Grenache in the Olifants River Region?

Answer 26

Piekenierskloof ## Footnote This ward is one of the most famous sites in the region.

Question 27

What is notable about the single vineyard of Skurfburg in the Olifants River Region?

Answer 27

It is famous for old vine Chenin Blanc ## Footnote Old vine Chenin Blanc is highly regarded in South Africa.

Question 28

Where are South Africa’s highest elevation vineyards located?

Answer 28

Cederberg ## Footnote Cederberg is an unincorporated ward located to the east of the Olifants River Region.

Question 29

How many districts comprise the Cape South Coast Region?

Answer 29

Seven ## Footnote This region includes various districts along the southwestern Atlantic Coast.

Question 30

Which four districts line the southwestern Atlantic Coast of South Africa in the Cape South Coast Region?

Answer 30

Overberg, Elgin, Walker Bay, and Cape Agulhas ## Footnote These districts are key to the region's winemaking.

Question 31

What is the geographical relationship of Plettenberg Bay to the other districts?

Answer 31

It lies over 250 miles to the east ## Footnote Plettenberg Bay is along the southern coast of Africa.

Question 32

What wards is Overberg divided into?

Answer 32

Klein River, Theewater, Elandskloof, and Greyton ## Footnote These wards represent the diversity within the Overberg district.

Question 33

What grape varieties are showing good results in the cooler maritime climate of Elgin and Overberg?

Answer 33

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling ## Footnote The climate contributes to the quality of these varieties.

Question 34

What coastal town is surrounded by the Walker Bay district?

Answer 34

Hermanus ## Footnote Walker Bay is known for its whale-watching opportunities.

Question 35

Which grape varieties are successful in the Walker Bay district?

Answer 35

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage ## Footnote Walker Bay is recognized for consistently high-quality examples of these wines.

Question 36

What winery is considered a pioneer in the Walker Bay district?

Answer 36

Hamilton Russell Winery ## Footnote This winery was an early proponent of Burgundy grapes and Pinotage.

Question 37

What are the top areas of production in the Walker Bay district?

Answer 37

Bot River and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ## Footnote These areas are key for wine production in Walker Bay.

Question 38

What is significant about Cape Agulhas in the Cape South Coast Region?

Answer 38

It sits on the southernmost point of the continent ## Footnote This geographical feature influences the region's climate.

Question 39

In which ward are the vineyards concentrated in Cape Agulhas?

Answer 39

Elim ## Footnote This ward benefits from the district’s cool climate.

Question 40

What grape varieties are provoking excitement in the Cape Agulhas district?

Answer 40

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Shiraz ## Footnote The cool climate contributes to the quality of these varieties.