VITICULTURE
Cape wine farmers’ harvest in danger
Wine grape producers in some parts of the Western Cape, already reeling from severe drought, have been dealt another blow after being hit by frost in early October. This, together with the drought, would put pressure on the 2018 harvest, wine producer group VinPro said. It said frost was a threat for vineyards at the early stage of the growth cycle of the vine because flower clusters were small and vulnerable. The biggest damage was caused in the Worcester region where flower clusters were killed off on certain farms. "Damage was observed in especially the lower-lying areas with clear gulleys along which the cold moved," said Pierre Snyman, VinPro’s viticultural consultant in the region. "The cold air pooled up in the hedges and berms and inflicted great damage which may have an effect on the 2018 harvest and result in losses for both the producer and cellar in terms of wine contracts. "Vine shoots were in most cases killed back to near the cordon; the crop therefore is completely l...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.