It is ironic that the South African wine industry, which at the time could hardly be described as progressive, proved to be one of the main beneficiaries of the advent of multi-racial democracy in 1994. Export markets opened up, and foreign investment came in, and it is remarkable how much progress has been made since then.

Most international varietals seem to flourish in the Cape`s near-perfect growing conditions, with the French red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz making the finest wines. A case in point is the talented team led by Kevin Arnold at Waterford who make great value wines from both Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Kevin's eponymous Shiraz is one of the finest made in the country.

There are great wines made by South Africa's new boutique wineries too, Eben Sadie is making stunning red and white wines in the fashionable Swartland region. Back in the more traditional area of Stellenbosch, the relatively new kid on the block, Albie Koch at De Toren makes a superb Bordeaux blend called Fusion V.