The Coastal Region in South Africa stretches along the Atlantic coast from Darling to Cape Point and includes significant wine-growing areas such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, and Swartland. The history of viticulture here dates back to the 17th century when the first European settlers, mainly Dutch colonists, brought vines to South Africa. Climatically, the influence of the cold Benguela Current is particularly significant, causing winds along the coast. This results in a Mediterranean climate with maritime influences near the coast and more continental conditions inland. The combination of cooling sea breezes, high diurnal temperature variations, and varying rainfall amounts creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of international grape varieties. The soil composition ranges from weathered granite and Malmesbury shale in coastal areas to sandstone in Stellenbosch and Paarl. Inland, one often finds weathered yellow to reddish-brown soils (Oxisols, rich in iron and aluminum oxide) and heavy, well-water-retentive duplex soils. The elevations vary greatly, from low-lying coastal areas to elevations of 600 meters and more.
