The South African wine regions are some of the most breathtakingly beautiful in the world. The vineyards are spread out over the Western and Northern Cape regions and within this wide expanse is a vast range of macroclimate and vineyard soil types. The climate and soil are influenced by the unique geography of the area which results in the production of a wide range of high-quality wines. These factors have vastly contributed to making the country the 6th largest exporter of bulk wine throughout the world with the United Kingdom being its largest wine importer. (source: Topwinesa)

Here’s a short list of some of the leading bulk and bottled wine exporters in South Africa:

1. Mountain Ridge

Established in 1949, Mountain Ridge Winery specializes in bulk wine solutions. With a tank capacity of around nine million liters, it has been at the forefront of grape-growing and winemaking in the picturesque landscape between the Boland towns of Worcester and Wolseley. Its 20 grower owners remain close to their roots by providing quality wines and an exceptional cellar door experience.

Mountain Ridge Wines offer a selection of easy-drinking white and red wines, as well as oak-matured red wines. The range of wines produced is Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chenin, Malbec-Pinotage blend, Shiraz Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, and Natural Sweet Rosé. The terroir of the region is suited for the production of structured and expressive varietal wines which are made more complex by the wide variety of soils and slopes.

2. Stellenberg Wines

Situated in picturesque Stellenbosch, the heart of the South African wine industry, Stellenberg Wines specializes in the export of quality bulk and bottled wines to international markets. They boast a complete, yet flexible logistical solution, shaped according to your needs and current market trends, which include sourcing, quality testing, shipping, and distribution. Its mission is to be the forerunner in providing high-quality wine at the best price, all tailored around a customer’s specific needs.

Stellenberg Wines are categorized into two quality ranges, namely Commercial and Premium. Commercial refers to wines that are very easily sustainable and focuses on traits such as “easy drinking” and “flavourful”. Premium can be described as “complex” with very pronounced wine structuring common to the wine's area of origin. The range of wines produced is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosè, and Sparkling Wine. 

3. Ashton Winery 

Established in 1962, Ashton Winery is one of South Africa’s largest suppliers of bulk wine and exports bulk and bottled wine to a number of the industry’s leading brands. Situated in the Robertson Wine Valley, they make the finest quality wines to enjoy and complement customers’ lifestyles. More than 50 member farmers produce 27 different grape varieties. With a total intake of 24,000 tons, they are one of the biggest cooperative cellars in the Western Cape operating under one roof.

Ashton Winery’s vineyards are planted in different soil types from the slopes of the Langeberg Mountains to the banks of the Breede River and drier areas, giving the grapes an array of flavors. Their production gets divided into bulk wines, bottle wines, and deionized grape juice concentrate. The range of wines produced is Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay Unwooded, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and for dessert the Red Muskadel. 

4. Sarah’s Creek

Hidden away in a rural, picturesque BAR (Bonnievale, Ashton and Robertson) wine valley; Sarah’s Creek has been producing the authentic South African wine experience for decades. They are industry experts in the craft of bulk wine export. Inspired by the exhilarating tale of a woman who strived to be different, today their wines are allowed to mature with a similar view before finally being sent to the market. The result of their expertly selected wines is guaranteed to inspire you.

In addition to being bulk wine suppliers, they are also heavily involved with a number of private label programs and supply own-label products to many international retail clients. The range of wines produced is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sweet Red, Semi-Sweet Red, Pinotage, and Demisec Sparkling. These wines are expertly selected by their winemakers to give the finest quality and mouth-watering experience from this region.

5. Wellington Wines

Situated in the Wellington District, along the inland border of the Coastal Region, Wellington Wines is born from the rich heritage of three exceptional wineries: Bovlei Winery, Wamakersvallei Winery, and Wellington Co-operative Winery. The accomplishments and passion with which these three wineries nourished the growth of the Wellington wine industry, ultimately resulted in the success story of Wellington Wines. Their wines and heritage are a salute to their predecessors.

Built on the proper foundation of their exceptional founders, today they export wines of world-class quality and compete in the international bulk wine market. All their wine ranges carry the trademark of quality – inspired by the people, the terroir, and the rich history of our fertile valley. The range of wines produced is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sparkling Wines.

6. Zidela Worldwide Wines

Founded in 2001, Zidela Worldwide Wines is one of the prime South African suppliers of value-for-money wines in the international market. They operate from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape as a well-established wine negociant and exporter of both bottled and bulk wine. They have grown steadily and are today capable of producing 2 million bottles per month and sourcing bulk wine from all the wine regions in South Africa.

Zidela Worldwide Wines’ long-standing working relationship with various wineries enabled them to get involved in the wine-making process and meet a customer’s specific needs. Their experienced team of wine blenders ensures that the quality, style, and analysis of wines are according to a brand’s specifications. The range of wines produced is Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage, and Summerton Sauvignon Blanc.

7. Coastal Wine Export

Founded in 2008, Coastal Wine Export is among the top wine exporters as well as one of the largest brokers in South Africa. They pride themselves on being seen as a one-stop business for all wine requirements. Their services include bulk and bottle exports, bulk wine sourcing, vintage tastings, production planning, benchmark blending, grape concentrates as well as logistics. They supply wines that are tailor-made for specific markets and are quick to react to market trends. Their market-driven approach and flexibility have secured them long-standing contracts both locally and internationally. 

Article by Aanchal Sharma, Beverage Trade Network

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