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7:00am Saturday 12th June 2010 in Lifestyle

Fancy a drink? Our drinks columnist Sam Wylie-Harris looks at South African wine for a World Cup special.

The cape in a glass

With the countdown on for the 2010 FIFA World Cup (June 11 to July 11), all eyes are on South Africa and the 30 million US dollar prize money that beckons the winning team - not to mention the glory of raising the gold cup.

Footie fans who aren't flying out to cheer Fabio Capello's England squad to victory can console themselves by getting into the team spirit with South African wine. Like the country, it's so full of colour and contrast you don't need to be of footballing persuasion to delight in its award-winning reds and whites.

Over the past 15 years, vintners have made great strides. Better winemaking techniques and a wide range of grape varieties including all our international favourites (as a nation, we drink more South African wine than French) means the sunny Cape Winelands with their cool ocean breezes are at the top of their game.

And there's a booty for wine lovers to enjoy off the pitch. Thanks to their flavour and finesse, a couple of sips can transport you to a terrace looking out over the bay and Table Mountain - with or without a big screen.

From the famous Stellenbosch region in the heart of the Winelands (the annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival takes place July 1-4), try the great value Zalze Shiraz/Mourvedre/Viognier 2009, (£6.49, Waitrose), winner of the Decanter World Wine Awards 2010 trophy for Rhone varietal from South Africa under £10. A well-rounded blend with plenty of sweet blackberry glossy fruit and a silky long, velvety finish.

On the banks of the Eerste River with sweeping views of the surrounding Helderberg Mountains, Spier Wine Estate offers visitors a lifestyle experience when they check into this luxury hotel with all the usual four-star trappings: an art collection, Cheetah Outreach Centre and golf course.

To bring you one step closer to a South African experience, try Spier Creative Block 3 2007 (£11.99, from www.sawinesonline.co.uk), another triple blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Viognier. Packed with gorgeous, ripe damson and mulberry fruit, this ruby red is deliciously rich with a hint of spice and dark chocolate on the finish.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Diemersfontein's new release features South Africa's speciality grape, Pinotage. Try Diemersfontein Pinotage 2009 (£9.99, for information visit www.diemersfontein.co.za), which has been awarded Best Red Wine for the past two years by the public at Winex in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It's dark and juicy with plenty of rich damson and baked plums, a hint of coffee on the nose and soft tannins.

Fairview wine and cheese estate in Paarl, at the Cape of Good Hope, will be preparing a veritable feast for diners who visit during the World Cup. To soak up the atmosphere at home, armchair travellers can try Fairview Darling Chenin Blanc 2009 (£8.49, from www.sawinesonline.co.uk). This fruity and fragrant white has a slight effervescence. Crisp with rich pear and honeysuckle aromas, it makes a refreshing aperitif.

A key player in the South African wine industry, De Grendel in the Durbanville wine valley produces fruit-driven, elegant wines. If you love a punchy Sauvignon Blanc, try its De Grendel Koetshuis 2009 (£11.99, Flourish & Prosper, 01430 430 006). Bright and alive with rich layers of gooseberry and fleshy white fruit and lovely lemongrass aromas.

Or, if you're thirsty for a classic Chardonnay packed with tropical fruit, follow the wine route to the Klein Constantia Estate which has been described as one of the world's most beautiful vineyard locations... it certainly produces some of the finest wine on the Cape. Try Klein Constantia Estate Chardonnay 2008 (£9.99, Majestic), ripe and rich with citrus flavours, a touch of oak and good balancing acidity.

Best buys

:: World Cup widows who want to throw a sunshine and wine party and kiss goodbye to football anthems can create their own temple of sophistication by serving Makana Brut NV (£8.50, for stockists and information, visit www.stratfordwine.co.uk). This fun fizz from the Western Cape is made with 100% Chardonnay in the same Charmat method as Prosecco. Rich with citrus and peachy fruits, this dry and zingy sparkler is full of bright summer flavour.

:: Enjoy the 'Wine World Cup' with some special offers courtesy of Waitrose... from the famed Boschendal estate. Try Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2008 (£6.49 from £8.49, Waitrose, June 17-July 13). A moreish glass with exotic notes of mango and pear, a lovely creamy texture and good length, it's delicious with seafood and chicken.

Liquid news

With five fabulous events across England, wine lovers can follow 'The Great South African Wine Trail 2010' and learn more about the foot of Africa. Here are this summer's diary dates - happy sipping!

South of England Show, West Sussex: June 10-12

Three Counties Show, Worcestershire: June 18-20

Cornbury Festival, Oxfordshire: July 3-4

CLA Game Fair, Warwickshire: July 23-25

Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Bristol: August 12-15

For further information, visit www.ecofriendlywines.com.