Tough year for wine grape producers as harvests hits record low
Despite the smaller crop, wine enthusiasts can expect good-quality wines from the 2019 vintage
The SA wine grape harvest for 2019 will hit a record low, largely due to the drought and fluctuating weather conditions during the growing season, estimates by the SA Wine Industry and Systems (Sawis) have shown. Sawis says the wine grape crop is estimated at 1,225,620 tonnes. Although only 1.4% smaller than last year, the crop has shrunk for the second consecutive year and 2019 represents a record low since 2005 when 1,171,632 tonnes were harvested. Wine is one of SA’s main agricultural exports, with nearly 100,000ha of vineyards, mostly in the Western Cape, accounting for 4% of world production. The industry contributes R36bn to GDP and employs nearly 290,000 people. However, wine grape producers have been under severe financial pressure in recent years with more than a third of producers making a loss. The industry now has about 25% fewer producers than a decade ago, according to wine producers body VinPro.
PODCAST: Behind the class action lawsuits against Tiger Brands..<...
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.