Its soils are some of the oldest on the planet, and its sloping hills and proximity to the ocean make Stellenbosch a logical choice for growing fine wine grapes. Much of South Africa's nearly one billion liter annual wine production come from the area. Many wine producers call Stellenbosch home; not all of them, of course, are good. The best, however, are crafting world-class fine wines. Below are three Stellenbosch producers that exemplify the region's fine wine, and have releases that are available in the U.S. Stellenrust Stellenrust's ultra-modern Stellenbosch tasting room with a not-so-modern exterior is a reflection of that producer's focus on both history and on modern, high-quality wine-making. Stellenrust's wines are clean and fruity, but also carry an Old World, French-style influence (the JJ line of wines are made via foot-stomping and without the use of machinery). Stellenrust offer a complex, concentrated and vibrant Chenin Blanc white wine that is made from vines that are around fifty years old, as well as a Rhone-influenced "Pepper Grinder" Shiraz red that has garnered critical acclaim. Read complete article online...