What makes Stellenbosch so important for South African wine?

Stellenbosch is South Africa's most prestigious wine region. Its combination of warm climate, ancient granite and diverse soils, and cooling mountain breezes creates ideal conditions for structured red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Cape Blends.

What is Hemel-en-Aarde and why does it produce distinctive wines?

Hemel-en-Aarde (meaning Heaven and Earth in Afrikaans) is a cool-climate valley near Hermanus, cooled by Antarctic ocean breezes. Its cool temperatures and shale soils are ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, producing wines of genuine elegance and finesse.

What is Cap Classique sparkling wine?

Cap Classique is South Africa's premium sparkling wine, made using the same Traditional Method as Champagne. It is often produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, delivering wines of real quality and complexity at a fraction of the price of Champagne.

How does South African wine combine Old World and New World styles?

South Africa has a winemaking history stretching back to the 17th century (Old World heritage), yet benefits from a warm, sunny climate and innovative winemaking approach (New World energy). The result is wines with the structure and complexity of European fine wines combined with the fruit intensity and accessibility of New World styles.

How many wines will I taste and what styles are included?

You will be tasting 8-9 South African wines during the experience. All our courses include food, whether that's a main course, tapas-style dishes, or a multi-course menu depending on the format. We can cater for most dietary requirements with advance notice.

Do I need prior wine knowledge to attend?

Not at all. Our courses are designed to be approachable and jargon-free. Beginners are always welcome, and our more advanced masterclasses are perfect if you already have some experience.

The Premium South African Masterclass

Q: What is Pinotage and what does it taste like?

Pinotage is South Africa's signature red grape variety, created in 1924 at Stellenbosch University by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It produces wines with flavours of dark fruit, spice, smoke, and earthiness. Styles range from bold and intense to more elegant and fruit-forward.

Q: What is Old Vine Chenin Blanc and why is it special?

South Africa has more Chenin Blanc planted than any other country in the world, with many vines over 40, 60, or even 100 years old. Old vine Chenin Blanc produces wines of remarkable concentration, complexity, and minerality that simply can't be replicated from younger vines.

Q: What is a Cape Blend?

A Cape Blend is a uniquely South African style of red wine that typically blends Pinotage with one or more international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz. It combines the bold fruit character of Pinotage with the structure and complexity of classic Bordeaux varieties.

Q: What is different about Swartland wines?

Swartland has become one of the most exciting wine regions in South Africa. It is known for minimal-intervention winemaking, dry-farmed old vines, and terroir-driven wines, particularly Chenin Blanc and Rhône-style reds from Syrah and Grenache.

Q: Is this masterclass useful if I'm planning to visit South Africa?

Absolutely. With Cape Town consistently voted among the world's top tourist destinations, this masterclass is the perfect preparation for a trip to the Cape Winelands. You'll gain first-hand insight from tutors with direct connections to South African producers.

New to our programme and inspired by the huge leap in quality and popularity of South African wines, this course brings together exciting newcomers and long-established estates to show just how far these wines have come.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.5 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair
Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Tapas-style Wine & Food Matching

Price

From £169 per person

Rated 4.6 out of 5 – based on 82 Google reviews
Read our reviews on Google

Welcome to The Premium South African Masterclass

Explore the unique Cape terroirs - from sweltering Stellenbosch and Swartland, to cool and quiet Hemel-en-Aarde.

South African wine has travelled nearly all over the world – especially all the way here to London. You might have seen something called “Pinotage” on a bottle store shelf? Or perhaps even some “Old Vine Chenin Blanc”? The London Wine Academy is here to decode these secrets of South African Wine and more.

Why is South Africa such a hot topic now?
The UK wine scene is buzzing with excitement about South Africa, yet many of the best bottles are still found only in top restaurants and specialist shops. This masterclass gives you a rare chance to taste them all in one sitting.

These wines represent one of the best quality-to-value ratios in the fine wine world, which is why the UK’s leading critics can’t stop talking about them.

With Cape Town voted the world’s best tourist destination and friendliest city, travel to South Africa has never been hotter. This session is the perfect way to pick up wine knowledge and tips before your next trip – making those vineyard visits even more rewarding.

With our Director’s South African roots and frequent visits, you’ll gain first-hand insight and the very latest from the Cape – plus a preview of what’s coming next: our accompanied South African wine tours launching next year.

The Premium South African Wine Masterclass is a 2.5-hour immersive wine experience at The London Wine Academy in central London, priced at £169 per person. Established in 1993 and rated 4.6 on Google, the Academy has been running independent, experience-led wine courses in Mayfair and St James’s for over 20 years. Part of the Voyager Masterclass series — each one designed as a journey into the heart of a wine region — this session explores South Africa’s dynamic wine regions, including Stellenbosch, Swartland, Constantia and the Cape Winelands. You’ll taste wines from leading South African producers alongside a 4-course tapas menu, learning about the country’s unique grape varieties, winemaking heritage and the modern innovation that’s put South Africa firmly on the world wine map. All tutors hold a WSET Diploma, Master of Wine qualification or Master Sommelier certification.

What will I learn during the Course?

During the Masterclass, you’ll taste 8 premium South African wines – from acclaimed Cap Classique Sparkling’s and elegant whites, to bold Cape blends. Alongside the wines, you’ll meet a new wave of winemakers, right up there with iconic producers of long-standing reputations. Join the London Wine Academy as we introduce these stalwarts and students of an almost unknown region and bring them to the echelons of world renown.

You’ll see why South African wines combine Old World finesse with New World energy – and why they consistently over-deliver for the price. Worldwide, you will find no better bang for buck than the South African winelands. A truly unique combination of passion, incredible terroir, and a spirit of hard work.

Our talented tutors will explain why critics like Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson are championing these wines as some of the best-value, fine wines in the world and why you should also be paying attention.

South African Masterclass Agenda

Start times of this wine workshop may vary. Please check your chosen date for the correct start time.

Kindly arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your class to meet and greet the London Wine Academy tutors who will be guiding you along your journey.

Arrive at one of the London Wine Academy partner venues and meet up with our excellent experts, ready to divulge all their hard-won knowledge in social and easy-to-understand environments. Taste through eight exquisite South African wines – white, red, rosé, and Sparkling – and understand them all on a deeper level through your new knowledge of the Systematic Approach to wine tasting.

Enjoy an unhurried and delicious bite to eat with the London Wine Academy tutor, as well as all the other South African wine enthusiasts you will meet at this masterclass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pinotage and what does it taste like?

Pinotage is a red wine grape variety created in South Africa in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It is known for producing deep-colored, full-bodied wines with bold tannins, moderate acidity, and distinct smoky, earthy, and dark fruit flavours. It is often described as a “bold, flavorful wine with a complex profile that is both approachable and distinctive”. Common tasting notes include blackberry, plum, black cherry, and a distinct, jammy, dark fruit profile.

What is Old Vine Chenin Blanc and why is it special?

“Old vine” generally refers to vines that are 30–40 years or older. These vines produce fewer grapes, but with greater concentration and character. In regions like South Africa, this can result in Chenin Blanc with remarkable depth, texture, and complexity. The wines often show both richness and freshness, making them particularly distinctive.

What is a Cape Blend?

A Cape Blend is a uniquely South African red blend that must include Pinotage. It’s often combined with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah. The idea is to balance local identity with international appeal. Styles can vary, but they typically offer richness, structure, and bold fruit.

What makes Stellenbosch so important?

Stellenbosch is widely regarded as South Africa’s leading fine wine region. It has a long history of winemaking and a strong reputation for quality. The region is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Bordeaux-style blends. Its varied soils and climates allow for a wide range of styles, many with excellent ageing potential.

What is different about Swartland wines?

Swartland has become known for its innovative and independent spirit. Many producers focus on minimal-intervention winemaking and old, dry-farmed vines. The wines are often bold, textured, and full of character. It’s a region that has helped redefine modern South African wine.

What is "Hemel-en-Aarde"?

Hemel-en-Aarde is a cool-climate region near the coast, close to Hermanus. The name means “Heaven and Earth,” which hints at its dramatic landscape. It’s best known for elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The cooling ocean influence helps preserve freshness and balance in the wines.

What is a Cap Classique sparkling wine?

Cap Classique is South Africa’s traditional-method sparkling wine. It’s made in the same way as Champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle. The wines are typically fresh, refined, and well-structured. It’s one of the country’s most exciting and rapidly improving categories. It is typically made with the traditional Champagne varietals – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier – but is often also made from Chenin Blanc.

Why are South African wines considered such good value?

South Africa consistently offers one of the best quality-to-price ratios in the fine wine world. Ancient soils, a unique combination of warm and cool terroirs, a long winemaking tradition, and a new generation of passionate winemakers all contribute to wines that regularly outperform their price points. Critics like Tim Atkin MW and Jancis Robinson have repeatedly highlighted South Africa as the world’s best-value fine wine source.

Is this masterclass useful if I'm planning to visit South Africa?

Absolutely – with Cape Town consistently voted among the world’s top tourist destinations, this masterclass is the perfect preparation for a trip to the Cape Winelands. You’ll gain first-hand insight from tutors with direct connections to South African producers, including a preview of the London Wine Academy’s upcoming accompanied South African wine tours.

Feature Venue

The Punch Bowl

Famously previously owned by Guy Richie and Madonna, The Punch Bowl is one of Mayfair’s most historic and celebrated pubs.

Feature Venue

The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is a reflection of the needs of the local community - the food is simple and harks back to the days when the British Pub first came about.