The Breede River Valley is the largest fruit and wine-producing valley in the Western Cape. It has one of the flattest topography in the Cape with vineyards lying at 80 to 250 meters above the sea-level. This low altitude along with a largely Mediterranean climate ensures a hot and dry climate favoring the production of fortified and dessert wines.
Hanepoot which is the South African synonym for Muscat of Alexandria and Muscadelle are the two main grape varieties grown in the Breede River Valley which produce the distinct styles of South African dessert wines. Syrah also performs well in this warm climate.