Coastal Region is one of the regions of South Africa's Wine of Origin system, within the Western Cape geographical unit. It brings together nine districts along the west coast and its immediate hinterland: Cape Town, Darling, Franschhoek, Lutzville Valley, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Tulbagh and Wellington, together with the wards of Bamboes Bay and Lamberts Bay, which fall within the region without belonging to any district. This delimitation allows producers to blend wines from several districts that share a common maritime influence under a single origin designation. The vineyards stretch for close to 800 kilometres along the Atlantic coast, where the cold Benguela current and south-easterly winds cool otherwise warm summers. Soils vary markedly from one district to another: around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia, ancient, heavily leached, acidic and poor soils require deep ploughing before planting; at Darling, reddish soils derived from granite retain water and allow dry-land viticulture; in Swartland, soils derived from Malmesbury shale are heavier and require amendment.
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Coastal Region brings together a wide range of styles, reflecting the diversity of its districts. Red wines dominate, made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage, a grape variety created in South Africa; they tend to be full-bodied, with present tannins and aromas of dark fruit, blackcurrant and spice. Red blends are common, particularly in Stellenbosch, known for its complex red wines, and can age for several years in the cellar. White wines, made from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, gain freshness in the districts closest to the ocean, cooled by the Benguela current; they stand out for their liveliness and their aromas of citrus and orchard fruit. Swartland also keeps a tradition of robust red wines and fortified wines. Structured reds pair with grilled red meat and game, while lively whites go well with fish, shellfish and poultry.
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