Before the formation of the South African Port Producers’ Association (SAPPA) no attempt had been made to lay down guidelines for the different Port styles. Each producer had his own ideas and labeling was often confusing, not stipulating to the customer what to expect when opening and enjoying a luscious South African Port. SAPPA has tried to rectify this problem by setting guidelines to help the consumers find their way through the maze of Port wines and recommends the use of the word “Cape” to identify South African Ports. The SAPPA stamp of approval on a Port ensures that it adheres to certain standards as identified by the Association: 

Cape Port with the Year of vintage
A Port of one harvest dark and full-bodied, aged in wood of any size. The words “Vintage Port” and date of vintage may appear on the label.  

Cape Vintage Reserve Port
A Port of one harvest, produced in a year of recognised quality, with exceptional organoleptic characteristics, dark and full-bodied, with very fine aroma and palate. The producer can be assisted by a tasting panel set up by the Association. The wine must preferably be aged for an average of at least one year or more in wood of any size. The wine must be sold exclusively in glass. The words "Vintage Reserve Port" and date of vintage must appear on the label. 

Cape Late Bottled Vintage or LBV Port
Should be a Port of a single year of quality, be dark and full-bodied with signs of going tawny in colour. The main label could indicate the year of bottling as well as the vintage, and the description "Late Bottled Vintage" or "LBV" must appear on the label. The Port will be aged for three to six years, of which at least two years in oak, before bottling. 

Cape Ruby Port
A blend of young, full-bodied, round and fruity Port. Components could be aged in wood for up to three years depending on the size of wood used, but no components should be aged for less than six months. The average age should not be less than one year. 

Cape Tawny Port
A blend of wine that has been wood matured. It must be amber / orange (tawny) in colour and must have acquired a smooth, light, slightly nutty flavour. Blending of white and red Port for tawny Port will not be allowed. 

Cape Dated Tawny Port
Wine of a single year which must have the character of a Tawny Port and the label must include the year of vintage, the words "matured in wood" and the words "Tawny Port". 

Cape White Port
Made from a non-muscat white cultivar, aged in wood of any size for a minimum period of 6 months.