🏷️ Wine of Origin
South Africa's system of wine places of origin.
WO (Wine of Origin) is the South African system that defines where a wine comes from. It was introduced in 1973 and helps buyers know where the grapes were grown and that the label is truthful.
The system works in levels, from large to small. The largest level is the geographical unit, for example the Western Cape. Then come regions, districts and the smallest areas, called wards. If a place is named on the label, at least 85% of the grapes must come from it, and the same share is needed when a grape variety or vintage is stated. An independent certification body oversees it.
WO belongs to wine classifications. Nearby is the term Cap Classique, which in South Africa means sparkling wine made by the classic method, with fermentation in the bottle. For South African producers WO does the same job as appellation systems in Europe: it fixes the place of origin.
How it connects to Wine
🏷️ Wine of Origin → kind of → 🏷️ Wine classifications → kind of → 🍷 Wine
Links
- Part of
- 🏷️ Wine classifications
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Cap Classique
Frequently asked questions
What does WO mean on a South African label?
Wine of Origin: wine from a defined place under the South African system.
What levels does WO have?
Geographical unit, region, district and ward.
What is Cap Classique?
South African sparkling wine made with fermentation in the bottle.
Similar
🏷️ American Viticultural Area · 🏷️ Vintners Quality Alliance · 🏷️ Geographical indication (Australia) · 🏷️ Klosterneuburger Mostwaage · 🏷️ Cava (Greece) · 🏷️ Reserva (Portugal)
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.