Paarl (meaning "Pearl" in Dutch and called "Die Pêrel" in Afrikaans) is the third oldest European settlement in the Republic of South Africa (after Cape Town and Stellenbosch) and forms part of the Western Cape Province. South Africa has five wine regions, divided into fourteen very diverse wine districts, classified under the country's Wine of Origin Scheme. The South African Wine of Origin Scheme denotes the Varietal, Vintage and the Producer of the wine. South African Wines were not imported to the United States until the mid 1990's because of a trade embargo. When apartheid fell, so did the embargo, and South African wine began appearing on US shelves.

South African wine growers grow more white varietals than red with a high percentage of the white dedicated to the Steen variety – known elsewhere in the world as Chenin Blanc. Good producers are making top quality dry wines from this grape. Other white varieties produced include Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. For reds, South Africa produces Pinotage, Syrah/Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends were once the favorite and most-produced, but Shiraz is gaining popularity in the region. Pinotage has improved dramatically and is often as delicious as it is distinctive.