Lesotho

One hectare (2.5 acres) of mainly Chenin Blanc with some Pinotage was planted in 2008 in this land-locked country surrounded by South Africa at an elevation of 1,850 m/6,070 ft some 25 km/15.5 miles east of Maseru, with guidance from the South African winery Groot Parys 1,100 km/685 miles to the south. Challenges include spring hail, summer rain, and lack of local viticultural experience, but in 2013 the Thamea family was in discussions with local chiefs with a view to planting a further 5 ha/12 acres. The growing season is four weeks longer than in most of south africa.