Five African wines making a splash

Updated 1056 GMT (1856 HKT) January 9, 2014

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South Africa's world-famous vineyards lead the continent in wine production, but other African nations are making inroads in the wine industry.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – South Africa's world-famous vineyards lead the continent in wine production, but other African nations are making inroads in the wine industry.

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Leleshwa wines are produced by Kenya's Rift Valley Winery, from grapes grown at vineyards thousands of meters above sea level.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Leleshwa wines are produced by Kenya's Rift Valley Winery, from grapes grown at vineyards thousands of meters above sea level.

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Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Its makers say Leleshwa is a Maasai word, named for the leleshwa tree, which is common in the Naivasha area.

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Zimbabwe's Charlevale: With a cut-grass character and light oak flavor, this refreshing wine is aged for up to five years.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Zimbabwe's Charlevale: With a cut-grass character and light oak flavor, this refreshing wine is aged for up to five years.

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Bushman Rock ages its wines in its French oak barriques. The winery boasts a wide variety including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Bushman Rock ages its wines in its French oak barriques. The winery boasts a wide variety including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Bushman Rock vineyard: The climate and soils in Melfort, Zimbabwe, create suitable conditions for wine production in the Bordeaux style. Bushman Rock claims it is producing unique Zimbabwean wines in the old world fashion.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Bushman Rock vineyard: The climate and soils in Melfort, Zimbabwe, create suitable conditions for wine production in the Bordeaux style. Bushman Rock claims it is producing unique Zimbabwean wines in the old world fashion.

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Tej: In Ethiopia, Tej wine has been produced in many forms for millennia, made from pure organic honey, and sun-dried "gesho," a plant that grows in the highlands of Ethiopia.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Tej: In Ethiopia, Tej wine has been produced in many forms for millennia, made from pure organic honey, and sun-dried "gesho," a plant that grows in the highlands of Ethiopia.

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Dodoma: Tanazania 's Dodoma region produces three wines -- dry white, red and "natural sweet." The area's dry earth, sandy soil and low humidity is suitable for producing dry white and red wines.

Photos: Five African wines making a splash

African wines from beyond The Cape – Dodoma: Tanazania 's Dodoma region produces three wines -- dry white, red and "natural sweet." The area's dry earth, sandy soil and low humidity is suitable for producing dry white and red wines.

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