Stellenbosch WO

Technical Summary

• Classification: WO (Wine of Origin) — South African appellation system
• Geographic scope: Stellenbosch district, Western Cape
• Position in hierarchy: District within Coastal Region
• Primary variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (~20% of plantings)
• History: Wine production since 1679; center of South African wine industry

Regulatory Constraints (Verified)

WO Origin Requirements

• 100% origin requirement: All grapes must come from stated WO unit
• Stricter than 85% standard: South Africa requires 100% geographic origin
• Source: Wine of Origin Scheme

WO Hierarchy

Level	Example
Geographical Unit	Western Cape
Region	Coastal Region
District	Stellenbosch
Ward	Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Bottelary, etc.
Single Vineyard	Specific registered vineyards

Varietal Labeling

• Single variety: Minimum 85% of named variety
• Multi-variety: Listed in descending order
• Source: Wine of Origin regulations

Estate Wine Requirements

• Definition: Wine produced from grapes grown on a registered estate
• Requirement: 100% from that registered estate
• Production: Must be vinified on the estate
• Source: Wine of Origin regulations

Stellenbosch Wards (Sub-Districts)

• Banghoek

• Bottelary

• Devon Valley

• Jonkershoek Valley

• Papegaaiberg

• Polkadraai Hills

• Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

• Source: Wine and Spirit Board

Enological Implications

Evidence-Backed Implications

100% origin strictness:

• More rigorous than many New World regions (typically 85%)
• Ensures true geographic identity
• Limits blending flexibility

Terroir diversity:

• Mountain slopes (Simonsberg, Helderberg): cooler, structured wines
• Valley floor: warmer, riper styles
• Various soil types (granite, sandstone, shale)

Cabernet Sauvignon excellence:

• Mediterranean climate suits Bordeaux varieties
• Quality recognized internationally
• Extended aging potential for premium wines

Operational Observations

Pinotage significance:

• South African cross (Pinot Noir × Cinsault)
• Unique to South Africa
• Controversial but distinctive

Sustainability focus:

• Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) widespread
• Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI)
• Growing organic/biodynamic sector

Frequent Compliance Risks

100% Origin Requirement

• Risk: Any grapes from outside Stellenbosch WO
• Impact: Cannot use Stellenbosch WO designation
• Mitigation: Strict grape source documentation

Estate Wine Claims

• Risk: Using “Estate” without proper registration
• Impact: Labeling violation
• Mitigation: Maintain estate registration; on-site production

Ward-Level Labeling

• Risk: Claiming ward without 100% sourcing from that ward
• Impact: Mislabeling
• Mitigation: Vineyard parcel tracking

Relevant Grape Varieties

• Cabernet Sauvignon — primary red variety
• Merlot — significant plantings
• Syrah — as Shiraz; growing
• Chenin Blanc — leading white variety
• Chardonnay — significant white plantings
• Pinotage — unique South African variety (file pending)

References

1. Wine and Spirit Board

   • Wine of Origin Scheme
   • URL: https://www.sawis.co.za/

2. Wines of South Africa (WOSA)

   • URL: https://www.wosa.co.za/

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Last Updated: January 6, 2026