While South Africa, which is about three times the size of California, is considered a New World wine region, it's no newcomer to growing wine grapes. Grapes were first planted in 1655 and soon after, the sweet wines of Constantia (which is near Cape Town) were lauded all over Europe.

Today, South African wines straddle Old World and New: the wines often smell of ripe, silky fruit, but showcase earthy flavors and finish with restraint. Because of the generally warm climate, South Africa's red grapes in particular get very ripe and produce full, high-alcohol wines. But especially in the Western Cape, the cool ocean breezes help the wines retain the bright acidity that keeps things fresh and food-friendly.

South Africa is the ninth-largest wine-producing market globally and produces an almost-even balance of red (44.8%) and white (55.2%) varieties. Its temperate Mediterranean temperatures (-2°C to 36°C), as well as a high level of rainfall between May and August are natural explanations for the country’s high ranking in terms of production and quality. South African wines are delicious and very reasonably priced. We will sample:

Bayten Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Costantia — One of South Africa’s premier wine farms, Bayten estate is situated on east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg mountain, just south of Cape Town and a few miles from False Bay. This cool-climate coastal area is renowned for elegant white wines that possess an intense minerality. Bayten was part of the original Constantia estate founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Dutch colony at the Cape. Pale lemon yellow color with a bouquet reminiscent of green figs and hints of gooseberries and green peppers. Dry, full bodied with a long lingering finish. 13% ABV. $16/$6.50

Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2021, Swartland — Keen to follow in their grandparents’ footsteps, cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst set up their own winemaking project by restoring the family farm in Swartland, 100 km north of Cape Town. Badenhorst now leads the Swartland Revolution, a movement of new winemakers who make their wines with minimal intervention and maximum expression of the terroir. This coastal area to the north of Cape Town has built a reputation for old-vine Chenin Blanc and premium-quality Syrah. A rich old-vine, dry-farmed Chenin packed with ripe orchard fruits, rich honey and cream; balanced with refreshing acidity. 13% ABV. $16.99/$6.50

Kanonkop Kadette Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Stellenbosch — Kanonkop is a 4th generation family-owned wine estate, which has been handed down from generation to generation. The name Kanonkop is derived from a hillock (kop) on the Simonsberg mountain above the wine estate from where, during the 17th and 18th centuries, a cannon (kanon) was fired to announce the arrival of sailing ships entering Table Bay. The roar of the cannon would be the signal to local farmers, who were waiting to make the 50-kilometer journey to the harbour, to load up their wagons with fresh fruit and vegetables to barter their produce.This Cab offers opulent aromas of blueberries, plums and red currants. Underlying hints of dried herbs and subtle oak spice add further complexity. The tannins are finely textured, and add a sturdy framework to support the plush fruit core. Concentrated flavors of blue- and blackberries, combined with the delicate acidity, creates a classic Stellenbosch-style Cabernet with a lengthy, dry finish. 14% ABV. $23.50/$8

See you Friday!