THE 2023 South African Wine Industry Statistics (for the year 2022) include few surprises, given the state of the country’s economy, the weak rand and various political factors. Still, it never ceases to amaze on being reminded of how much more SA wine is exported in bulk / on the cheap (over 60%) compared to bottled brands… and how France,
Read moreA SOUTH AFRICAN wine producer got in touch to voice his discontent regarding the critics, the show judges, locally and internationally… How is it possible that Merlot makes such a high percentage of the red wine bought in this country yet there are not many brands that qualify for the SA Wine Classification. The producer preferred not to be
Read moreTHE quality and status of Wine SA at its best is on the up and up, however the size of South Africa’s wine industry is contracting – whether you’re looking at production and sales or the number of farms and cellars. Of course, times are tough in all wine-producing countries. More good times are just around the corner, right? Highlights
Read moreWINE LOVERS around the world have a soft spot for it! The Pinotage market is booming! At 24 million litres a year and counting, it’s one of the South African wine industry’s fairy-tale success stories and the good times seem unlikely to end any time soon. Of the Top 10 most-planted wine grape varieties in the country, Pinotage is the only
Read moreTHE NUMBER of wine farms and cellars in South Africa is declining. The total area under vine has been shrinking. Yet turnover is up, domestically and on the export markets. Among the annual industry statistics released by SA Wine Industry Information & Systems (SAWIS), total sales are now at nearly 900 million litres after three years of growth, despite prolonged
Read moreDESPITE a clause in the conditions of sale applicable to the Nederburg Auction of rare South African wine stating that buyer’s cards will be issued to licensees (only), i.e. not to the public in general, private buyers have been admitted to the bidding hall since 2012, albeit by invitation only and after going through an application process. These collectors buying in their own
Read moreACCORDING to 2015 statistics announced by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) based in Paris, France, South Africa now ranks 7th among the biggest wine-producing countries in the world: 1 France (16.7%), 2 Italy (16%), 3 Spain (14.9%), 4 USA (8%), 5 Argentina (5.4%), 6 Australia (4.3%), 7 South Africa (4.1%), 8 China (4%), 9 Chile (3.8%). Spain has the most
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