South African Red Wines

Explore Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Pinotage, South Africa’s own grape: 340+ red wines from 58 wineries. Find your next bottle by grape, region and style.

Wine guide

South African reds: grapes, regions and food pairings

Grape varieties: Cabernet, Pinotage and beyond

Cabernet Sauvignon often produces full-bodied reds with firm structure. Merlot appears both as a single-variety wine and in Bordeaux-inspired blends, where it frequently complements Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Shiraz, also called Syrah, ranges from fragrant, elegant expressions to powerful, spicy wines. Pinot Noir offers an alternative when you want a more delicate style. Pinotage is South Africa’s cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault; it can show plum, dark-berry and smoky notes. The producer and winemaking choices matter as much as the grape.

Regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia

Stellenbosch is especially associated with Cabernet Sauvignon and structured reds, but its varied sites do not produce one uniform style. Franschhoek offers a range of grapes and blends, so look at the individual estate rather than relying on the region alone. Paarl lies further inland and is generally a warmer wine region. Constantia has a stronger maritime influence. These differences provide a starting point; the vineyard, vintage and winemaking information on each product page gives a more precise picture.

Food pairings: steak, BBQ and more

A structured Cabernet Sauvignon is a useful starting point for grilled steak. For BBQ with spiced marinades, consider Shiraz or Pinotage. Sauce, heat and cooking method matter just as much as the meat: a very sweet or hot sauce does not automatically call for the biggest red. Compare the tasting descriptions and choose the style you enjoy, rather than pairing by grape variety alone.

Prices and choosing your wine

Available variants in the German shop currently range from €9.90 to €199.90 (checked 14 October 2026). Use the price filter to compare wines within your budget. Prices and availability can change, and other markets use their displayed local prices. Selected structured Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends and Pinotages can reward cellaring. Check the estate’s advice for the specific wine and vintage before buying for long-term storage: not every red improves with age.

Explore wines by grape and region: Cabernet Sauvignon

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Frequently asked questions

What is Pinotage and what does it taste like?

Pinotage is a South African cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Depending on the producer and winemaking, it can show plum, dark berries and smoky notes. Styles range from fruit-led wines to structured examples suited to cellaring; check the individual tasting description.

Which South African red wines go best with steak or BBQ?

A structured Cabernet Sauvignon is a good starting point for steak. Shiraz or Pinotage can work well with spiced BBQ dishes. Take the sauce, heat and cooking method into account; the individual wine’s tasting description is more useful than a fixed grape-based rule.

Stellenbosch vs. Franschhoek: what’s the difference?

Stellenbosch is particularly associated with Cabernet Sauvignon and structured reds. Franschhoek offers different grapes and blends from varied sites. Both regions are diverse: the estate, vineyard, vintage and winemaking tell you more about the style than the region name alone.

Do you ship to the UK, Switzerland and the EU, and what does it cost?

Yes, to the destinations listed in our shipping policy. Current published rates: UK €11.90, free from €150; Switzerland €18.90, free from €200, with customs costs included. Germany: €6.90, free from €120. Other listed EU destinations cost €6.90–€11.90 depending on the country, or €18.90 for Malta; see the policy for free-shipping thresholds. Estimated delivery is 2–5 working days for the UK and 1–3 for Germany and Switzerland; delays are possible. These are the policy’s euro amounts; the charges displayed at checkout apply.

Full destination list and terms: Shipping & delivery

Which South African red wines age well?

Selected structured Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends and Pinotages can develop with bottle age. The specific wine, vintage and suitable storage conditions matter. Follow the estate’s drinking-window and cellaring advice; not every red is intended for long-term ageing.