Namibian wine

Viticulture in Namibia has a very short history. The commercial viticulture began in 1990. It occupies a subordinate economic role. Namibia is one of the smallest wine regions of the world due to the extreme climatic conditions.

Climate and geography

The wine regions of Namibia are between 21 and 28 degrees south latitude. They are considered the driest wine regions of the world. Here prevails an arid climate with large seasonal and daily fluctuations. During the summer months, more than 40 ° C are often achieved while to be expected in the winter months with ground frost. Due to the general lack of water the growing areas along rivers or Rivieren are created. The harvest takes place between January and March.

Areas of origin and wineries

In Namibia, the few wine -growing areas are not officially divided into areas of origin. However, three areas can be demarcated. The total vineyard in Namibia extends over a commercial vineyard area of ​​around 12 hectares. It is thus one of the smallest independent wine regions of the world (for comparison is the growing region in Germany about 105,000 hectares and 136,000 hectares in South Africa ).

Omaruru

The wine-growing area of Omaruru is the largest and oldest wine-growing region of Namibia and home to the first winery in the country. The total cultivated area of ​​about 3 hectares is part of the Crystal Cellar. In 1990, the vines began and five years later harvested the first grapes in the cultivation. There are only the varieties Colombard and Ruby Cabernet, Petit Verdot also grown since 2011. In addition, Nappa and Brandy are fired. By 2015, a doubling of the vineyard area is planned. The past production amounts depending on the amount of rain between 1700 liters (2011) and 5000 liters (2010), other sources speak of up to 10,000 bottles per year

Neuras

In Neuras on the edge of the Naukluft Mountains in Malta height was opened in 1996 with the eponymous Neuras Winery second winery Namibia with its own growing area. Covering an area of ​​about 4 hectares of vine varieties Shiraz and Merlot are grown, since 2010 Petit Verdot. About 3000 bottles are pressed annually.

The wines have already gained international notoriety.

Otavi

Bertus Boshoff began in 1998 with the experimental cultivation of numerous grapes (including Shiraz, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Ponotage ) in the Otavibergen. Its acreage is considered with four hectares, the largest in the country, with an expansion is planned by 1.3 hectares. Wine sold under the name " Thonningi ". Currently 2500-300 bottles Shiraz are bottled each year.

2004 begannt in close proximity to Thonningi the cultivation of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Mourvedre, Tempranillo and Chardonnay by the families Schulz and Evrad.