At the time it was first settled in by the Dutch in the early 17th century, South Africa was not considered to be a suitable climate for the cultivation of grapes.

This attitude quickly changed when vines were successfully grown in the middle of the same century. While these wines were considered high in quality, continuing the production of fine wines was not on the Dutch's agenda for their colony. Instead, the farmlands were needed for rice to feed the slaves and colonists.

By the 19th century, South Africa was producing more wine than it ever had before. It exported so much wine that the British Lord Nelson called it an "immense tavern". South African wine was enjoyed around the world in places such as Britain and the United States. When the British gained control of the Cape, they were delighted to find a large source of wine at their disposal. After the British abolished slavery in South Africa the wine industry suffered. Rich planters drove away all competition through the production of cheap wine.

The British government attempted to correct this problem by raising the tariffs on wine from the Cape, thereby removing South African wine from the British market for the next several years.

During the wine boom of the 20th century, South Africa was virtually ignored in the world's wine market. This is because of its political situation and the many trade embargoes against South African industry in general. The attitude towards South African industry created many obstacles for the promotion of her wines.

Today, the wines of South Africa are very high in quality and consumer interest in these wines is growing.  This recognition should help the industry to expand in the future.