SA set for smaller wine grape harvest due to load shedding, climate change
Industry body Vinpro says although South Africa's 2023 wine grape harvest is expected to be smaller, there is some excitement about the quality of the grapes.
Vinpro, which is a non-profit company which represents close to 2 600 South African wine producers, cellars and industry stakeholders, says the smaller harvest is due to load shedding and climate change.
The organisation’s Conrad Schutte says this year’s crop is expected to be smaller than the 2022 harvest.
“Wine reproducers are busy picking grapes for the 2023 harvest, so the fourth out of five crop estimations do indicate that we foresee this crop to be lower than that of 2022.
“On a positive note, the quality of these grapes is really good, all wine makers are really excited to get these grapes into the cellars and producing good quality wine.”
Schutte says climate change and load shedding are two factors impacting the sector.
“Yes, the climate does indeed have a huge effect on wine grape production. So, the winter months were warmer and drier than usual, but then heavy rains in early December caused mildew. Also, a huge impact from load shedding, because if we cannot get the pumps to work, we cannot get water to the grape vines.”
But Schutte says there is no reason for wine lovers to fret.
“I do not think that South Africa will run out of wine, there should still be enough wine for everyone to enjoy.”
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