The Dutch planted grapes in the Cape within two years of their arrival in 1652 and made their first wine five years later. It was only in the closing decade of the 20th century that quality wine production put the country on the world wine map. Chenin Blanc (known locally as Steen) is the most widely planted variety and is leading the way in quality white wine production. Shiraz is a key player in production of red wines, but meritage blends (the local word for Bordeaux blends) are still very popular. Recent years have seen the advent of iconic, small-production and very expensive wines, especially from Swartland.
