Best Bargain Wines? South Africa!

South Africa is gaining more and more exposure in the US market these days. Known for their Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, these are some of the best value wines, most under $15.

Most recently, I poured wines for Wines of South Africa at Washington DC's International Food and Wine Festival. Great crowd pleasers, I hardly had anyone dislike any of the wines I was pouring. Their eyes lit up when I mentioned they were all under $10. I was pouring wines from Two Oceans, who source grapes from the Western Cape region. They were a delightful Sauvignon Blanc, a not-to-sweet Moscato and a fruity Cab/Merlot blend. Ranging in price from $6.99 to $9.99, the everyday wine consumer is their ideal market.

Well-made, becoming more easily accessible, and at that price, South African wines are the perfect everyday wine. The crisp, citrusy chenin blancs and the smoky, meaty Pinotage's pair well with food as well as easy to drink on their own. A classic New World wine, you can expect them to be very fruit forward, light, and fresh.

Perfect for patio drinkin' and your wallet. Seek out something different, pick up a bottle of South African wine next time!