Host Andrea Immer with winemaker Adam Mason; Constantia, South Africa RELATED LINKS Test Your Wine IQ Visit the Fine Living Wine Cellar

When European sailors first arrived at the southern tip of Africa, they found a land that felt surprisingly familiar. With more than two thousand miles of coastline, crisp ocean breezes and an unfaltering exposure to the sun, it could have been mistaken for Italy or the south of France, if it wasn't for the unfamiliar faces. Producing its first wine vintage in 1659, today South Africa has grown to become the seventh largest wine producer in the world, but it is still somewhat of a mystery to most Americans.

• The Cape Region is home to all South African wines, which are usually regionally labeled.
  
• Pinotage is a historically underrated South African hybrid red grape that grows on low-yield vines.
  
• Developed by the University of Cape Town in 1925, Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
  
• The Vin de Constance is not just a dessert — it's also great paired with savory foods.
  
• White grapes like Chenin Blanc, also called Steen, make up the majority of South African grape production.
  
• In the future, look for Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz grapes, as well as Bordeaux style blends.

Resources

Klein Constantia
Constantia, South Africa
Ph: + 27-21-794-5188
www.kleinconstantia.com

Cape Classic Exports
South Africa
Ph: + 27 21 881 3810
New York office: 212 686-1300
info@capeclassics.com, www.capeclassics.com

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Kruger National Park
PO Box 16194
Vlaeberg 8018, South Africa
Ph: +27-21-481-4900
Earth Lodge phone: + 27-13-735-5261
www.sabisabi.com

Jiko Restaurant
Disney's Animal Kingdom
www.disney.com

The Wine Anorak Online Magazine
www.wineanorak.com

Wine.com
www.wine.com

The Wineman.com
www.thewineman.com

Sunday Times
www.suntimes.co.za

Wines & Vineyards of South Africa by Wendy Toerien

The Rough Guide to South Africa: Lesotho and Swaziland by Tony Pinchuck, Barbara McCrea, Donald Reid, Greg Mthembu-Salter

Footprint South Africa Handbook (6th Edition) by Francisca Kellett, Lizzie Williams

Create an unforgettable dining experience with Andrea Immer's Entertaining Made Simple CD collection. Each CD includes music, menus, recipes, affordable wine recommendations and video demonstrations.