Merlot

South Africa

With its mountainous, maritime-influenced winegrowing regions, South Africa produces top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc and premium Syrah, Pinotage, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Dutch brought vines here back in the 1600s to satiate their thirsty sailors en route to India, but they probably never imagined just how important to the wine world South Africa would one day become. Indeed, it took centuries for South Africa to discover its full potential. Most of the country's winegrowing areas thrive in the southwest, known as the Western Cape. Its most famous regions are an easy drive from Cape Town and include Stellenbosch, Swartland, Breedekloof and Franschhoek.