NO RAINS IN SOUTH AFRICA

THEY ARE in desperate need of rain in South Africa and it’s having an impact on viticulture. In a blow to the wine industry underpinning the Western Cape economy, the drought has caused an estimated 6.7 percent drop in the annual grape crop. This year’s is estimated at 1,378,596 tons, according to the latest figures from South African Wine Industry Information and Systems. Francois Viljoen, of VinPro, the representative organization for close to 35OO South African wine producers and cellars, said that while challenging conditions led to a reduced crop, grapes were healthy and concentrated flavors promised good wines. “Although the crop is smaller, the industry still managed to reach higher productions than initially expected following a season characterized by abnormal heat and water shortages,” Viljoen said.

Water supplies had a great impact, especially in vineyards not buffered against the heat. Regions such as Robertson and the Klein Karoo, which received sufficient winter rainfall, had higher productions, while Worcester, although experiencing unusual heat and veld fires, also obtained a bigger harvest. Stellenbosch had a significantly smaller crop due to dry, warm weather conditions and veld fires. Paarl also experienced an abnormally small crop of which the cultivars all ripened early and simultaneously. Malmesbury and Swartland had a significantly smaller crop taken in early and over a short period. There was also burn damage from the sun from the middle to the end of January, hitting Stellenbosch and Worcester hardest. The extent of the damage will be determined in the coming months. However, the industry has the expertise to manage challenging seasons, to continue to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector of the Western Cape. And indications suggest that, although the grape crop is smaller than last year, it is also of a very high quality, enabling producers to sell at higher prices.