Best South Africa Red Wine of 2026

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2026

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South Africa is home to some of the world's most renowned wine regions, producing a wide variety of red wine styles that are appreciated by wine lovers worldwide. South African red wines are known for their exceptional quality, unique flavour profiles, and rich history. The country's diverse climate and terroir allow for the production of a wide range of red grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Syrah, and Merlot, among others. These wines are characterised by their bold, fruity flavours, and smooth finish, making them a perfect choice for any occasion.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Anthonij Rupert Bordeaux Red Blend 75cl Cover #TOP 1
Anthonij Rupert Bordeaux Red Blend 75cl
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cape Creek Pinotage Red Wine Bag in Box Cover #TOP 2
Cape Creek Pinotage Red Wine Bag in Box
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Baleia Wines 100% Pinot Noir from South Africa Cover #TOP 3
Baleia Wines 100% Pinot Noir from South Africa
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 South Africa Red Wine

#TOP 1

Anthonij Rupert Bordeaux Red Blend 75cl

0.75 Litre
Anthonij Rupert Bordeaux Red Blend 75cl Cover
Anthonij Rupert, Optima, Bordeaux Red Blend, South Africa - 75cl

The Anthonij Rupert Red Blend is a captivating Bordeaux-style wine that combines 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot, alongside a touch of Petit Verdot. This blend has been matured in French oak barrels for 20 months, enhancing its texture to be silky, velvety, and smooth. You will enjoy flavours of ripe plums, hedgerow fruit, cocoa, and spice, making each sip a delightful experience. The wine's elegant complexity ensures a perfect balance of oak and fruit, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or relaxed evenings at home.

What We Like
Rich flavour profile
Well-balanced oak and fruit
Elegant and complex texture
Matured for enhanced quality
#TOP 2

Cape Creek Pinotage Red Wine Bag in Box

Cape Creek
684534
Cape Creek Pinotage Red Wine Bag in Box Cover
Cape Creek - Red Wine from South Africa - Pinotage Bag in Box BIB (1 x 3 L)

Cape Creek Pinotage is a delightful red wine from South Africa, a country renowned for its stunning wine regions. With a warm and airy climate, this Pinotage produces a fruity and aromatic profile, featuring ripe fruit notes like raspberry and strawberry, complemented by subtle spices. When you enjoy this wine, you will experience its roundness and silky tannins, making it well-balanced and satisfying. This versatile wine pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes, from red meats to cheeses, enhancing your dining experience.

What We Like
Fruity and aromatic flavour
Silky and well-balanced tannins
Versatile food pairing options
Unique South African grape variety

Baleia Wines 100% Pinot Noir from South Africa

Baleia
0.75 Litre
Baleia Wines 100% Pinot Noir from South Africa Cover
Baleia Wines, Pinot Noir, South Africa, 75cl

Baleia Pinot Noir is a delightful red wine crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grapes. Aged for 10 months in French Oak barrels, this wine boasts a complex flavour profile that enhances your dining experience. The rocky soils where the grapes are grown contribute to a robust style with rich fruit complexity and smooth velvet tannins, making it a pleasure to sip. This wine offers great value for money, allowing you to enjoy premium quality without breaking the bank.

What We Like
100% Pinot Noir
Aged in French Oak
Lovely fruit complexity
Great value for money
Chunky style with velvet tannins
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What red wine is South Africa known for?

The most famous South African wine is the Pinotage. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It is a key component in many of the Cape blends but can also make outstanding single-variety offerings.

2. Is South Africa wine good?

South African wines offer impressively good value, and feature styles and tastes that are food friendly, blending elegance and power. South Africa has been producing wine since the first vines were planted in the 17th century, brought by the Dutch governors of Cape Colony.

3. Is South African cabernet sauvignon?

South Africa has a long history with Cabernet Sauvignon, both as a varietal and blended wine. ... The greatest acreage lies within the country's largest Wine of Origin (WO) area, the Stellenbosch district of the Coastal Region, with more than 7,300 acres planted.

4. What wines are made in South Africa?

Other red grape varieties found in South Africa include: Carignan, Gamay (often made in the style of Beaujolais wine with carbonic maceration), Grenache, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Pontac, Ruby Cabernet, Tinta Barroca and Zinfandel....Grape varieties.

Editor's Notes

During our south africa red wine research, we found 110 south africa red wine products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,985 customer reviews through our big data system to write the south africa red wine list. We found that most customers choose south africa red wine with an average price of £15.62.

The south africa red wine are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of south africa red wine, including Anthonij Rupert, Cape Creek, Baleia.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.