Blends from South Africa

The art of blending, perfected. Explore our huge selection of South African cuvées – from red Bordeaux blends to vibrant sparkling wines.

Wine guide

The Art of Composition: South Africa's Blends

A cuvée is more than just a wine – it's the winemaker's signature, an expression of their craft and vision. In South Africa, a country with an incredible diversity of terroirs and grape varieties, blending has a long tradition and produces some of the most fascinating wines in the world. Our collection of over 100 different blends showcases the full spectrum of this art: from legendary red flagship wines and innovative white creations to light rosés and fine 'Cap Classique' sparkling wines. Each wine tells its own story of origin, grape variety, and the creator's touch.

Style and Grape Varieties: Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

The most famous South African blends are undoubtedly the Bordeaux-style reds. Here, winemakers combine the power and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the smoothness of Merlot and the spice of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or Petit Verdot to create complex, age-worthy masterpieces. Rhône blends are also gaining prominence, where spicy Shiraz (often with a small amount of Viognier) sets the tone. In white wines, South Africa's winemakers show their full creativity. The signature South African grape, Chenin Blanc, often forms the base, supplemented by Sauvignon Blanc for freshness, Chardonnay for body, or Viognier for floral notes. The results are multi-layered, exciting white wines that are second to none.

Terroir in a Glass: Famous Wine Regions

For their top blends, wineries often use grapes from different plots or even regions to combine the best of each terroir. The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions are famous for their powerful, structured red blends. The cooler sites, for example in Constantia or on the coast, provide the perfect basis for elegant, mineral white cuvées and the base wines for the finest Cap Classique.

Perfect Pairings: Blends and Food

The versatility of blends makes them ideal food companions. A powerful Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch is the perfect partner for a grilled steak, rack of lamb, or hearty stews. A fresh, mineral white cuvée harmonizes wonderfully with seafood, grilled fish, or light chicken dishes. And a glass of fine-beaded Cap Classique is not only a wonderful aperitif but also an excellent match for oysters or light appetizers.

For Every Occasion and Budget

Our selection shows that great blends don't have to be prohibitively expensive. You'll find accessible, everyday blends for under €10 that bring a lot of joy. At the same time, we also offer the iconic, highly-rated collector's wines that often cost well over €100 and have incredible aging potential. In between, there is a huge range of wines that offer excellent value for money in the €20 to €30 price range.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is a cuvée or blend?

A cuvée or blend is a wine made by mixing several grape varieties, vintages, or vineyard sites. The winemaker composes a wine with special balance and complexity, which is often greater than the sum of its parts.

What are the most famous South African blends?

The red 'Bordeaux blends' made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are particularly famous. Innovative white blends, often with Chenin Blanc as a base, and the 'Cap Classique' sparkling wines made by the traditional method are also typical of South Africa.

Why are wines blended at all?

Blending allows the winemaker to combine the best characteristics of different grape varieties – for example, the fruit of A, the structure of B, and the acidity of C. This creates wines that are often more complex and harmonious.

Which blend goes with my food?

As a rule of thumb: Powerful red blends are great with grilled meats or stews. Elegant white blends harmonize with fish and poultry. A rosé blend is perfect for summer and light dishes.

How much is shipping at The WineStore?

Shipping is €6.90 in Germany (free from €120). To the EU it's €6.90–€11.90 depending on the country (free from €150). Shipping to the UK is €11.90 (free from €150), and to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, or Malta it's €18.90 (free from €200).