A Beginner's Guide to Wine
Wine doesn't need to be complicated. Learn the basics, discover different wine styles, find food pairings and figure out what you might enjoy — one glass at a time.
18+ | Alcohol Not for Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.
Start Here
Almost every bottle you'll meet belongs to one of these. Start with the family, then explore the grapes inside it.
Usually made with dark-skinned grapes and fermented with the grape skins. Red wines can range from light and fruity to rich, structured and full-bodied.
Typical characteristics
Berry • Plum • Spice • Oak
Typical pairings
Steak • Braai • Lamb • Burgers
Often fresh and refreshing, with styles ranging from crisp and light to rich and creamy.
Typical characteristics
Citrus • Apple • Pear • Tropical fruit
Typical pairings
Seafood • Chicken • Salads • Cheese
A refreshing style made from red grapes with limited skin contact, giving the wine its pink colour.
Typical characteristics
Strawberry • Watermelon • Red fruit • Floral
Typical pairings
Pizza • Salads • Seafood • Light meals
Wine containing bubbles, ranging from fresh and fruity to complex and creamy depending on the style and production method.
Typical characteristics
Citrus • Apple • Fresh fruit • Brioche in some styles
Typical pairings
Seafood • Snacks • Cheese • Celebrations
Sweeter wine styles typically enjoyed in smaller servings and often paired with desserts or cheese.
Typical characteristics
Honey • Apricot • Dried fruit • Caramel
Typical pairings
Dessert • Cheese • Fruit
Wine to which additional grape spirit has been added, producing richer and generally higher-alcohol styles.
Typical characteristics
Dried fruit • Nuts • Spice • Caramel
Typical pairings
Cheese • Dessert • After-dinner enjoyment
Eight Wines to Know
These are Kwai Lekr Wine Guide educational samples — not wines for sale. Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Educational Sample
Red Wine
A distinctively South African red grape variety that can produce wines ranging from juicy and fruit-driven to rich, smoky and complex.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Often enjoyed slightly below typical room temperature, around 16–18 °C.
Beginner tip
If you enjoy fuller red wines and braai food, Pinotage is a great South African variety to explore.
Educational Sample
Red Wine
A classic red grape known for producing structured wines with dark-fruit character and noticeable tannin.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Typically served around 17–18 °C; many styles benefit from being opened a little earlier.
Beginner tip
Try Cabernet Sauvignon if you enjoy bold, structured red wines.
Educational Sample
Red Wine
A versatile red variety known for rich fruit, spice and sometimes peppery characteristics.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Often served around 16–18 °C.
Beginner tip
A good choice if you enjoy bold fruit with a spicy character.
Educational Sample
White Wine
A versatile white grape especially important in South Africa, capable of producing styles ranging from fresh and crisp to richer and more textured.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Usually served well chilled, around 8–10 °C.
Beginner tip
Chenin Blanc is a great place to start if you want to explore South African white wine.
Educational Sample
White Wine
Typically a fresh, crisp white wine with bright acidity and lively fruit or herbal characteristics.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Usually served cold, around 7–9 °C.
Beginner tip
Try Sauvignon Blanc if you enjoy crisp, refreshing drinks.
Educational Sample
White Wine
A versatile white variety that can range from fresh and fruit-driven to richer, creamy and oak-influenced styles.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Usually served around 10–12 °C.
Beginner tip
If you prefer richer white wines, explore an oaked Chardonnay. For something fresher, try an unoaked style.
Educational Sample
Rosé Wine
A pink wine usually made from red grapes with shorter skin contact, producing styles that are often fresh and fruit-forward.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Usually served cold, around 8–10 °C.
Beginner tip
Rosé is an approachable option when you want something refreshing but different from white wine.
Educational Sample
Sparkling Wine
Cap Classique is South Africa's category for sparkling wine that undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. It is a South African category in its own right — sparkling wine made elsewhere, and Champagne in particular, should not be used as a general term for all bubbly.
General guide
Wine styles vary by producer, region, vintage and winemaking method. These indicators are a beginner-friendly general guide.
Usually served very cold, around 6–8 °C.
Beginner tip
A great introduction to South African sparkling wine — and much more than something reserved only for celebrations.
Wine Words
Find Your Wine
Tell us what sounds good and we'll point you in the right direction.
What sounds good?
Explore South African wine farms, tastings, Wine & Dine experiences and specials on Kwai Lekr Wine.
Alcohol Not for Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.
