South Africa - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

South African growers report ‘exceptional’ quality harvest for 2025

Published: 08 May, 2025

The trade body South Africa Wine has shared details of what it characterises as an ‘exceptional harvest’ for wine estates in the country.

Tim Atkin MW: The Cape deserves our respect

Published: 11 April, 2025

There are a few grapes still out there on the vines, but the verdict on the quality of the 2025 crop was harvested some time ago. After a run of challenging years, South Africa is completing one of its greatest ever vintages. “Seriously promising” is how Eben Sadie, the country’s most famous winemaker, describes it.

Journey’s End first South African winery to gain B Corp status

Published: 31 March, 2025

Stellenbosch wine producer Journey’s End has become the first South African winery to gain the B Corp certification. The designation is awarded to businesses which look beyond solely the P&L balance sheet to include actions which are environmentally and socially minded.

Graham Beck gains new winemaker in Lizemari Geldenhuys

Published: 10 March, 2025

The South African Cap Classique producer, Graham Beck, has added Lizemari Geldenhuys to the position of winemaker, having joined the sparkling wine producer in January 2025.

Producer Q&A: Bruce Jack, Bruce Jack Wines

Published: 25 February, 2025

Winemaker Bruce Jack talks to Andrew Catchpole about how his business has learnt from its mistakes and how South Africa is working to improve its premium position.

Vergelegen bolsters brand refresh with new distribution

Published: 04 February, 2025

Coinciding with a major rebranding programme, Vergelegen wine estate is pursuing a double-pronged approach for its UK distribution which will now be fulfilled by two separate partners.

South African wine exports hold steady in turbulent times

Published: 23 January, 2025

South Africa’s wine exports have weathered a steadily contracting global wine market to reflect modest value growth in 2024, Wines of South Africa (WoSA) CEO Siobhan Thompson has said.

Museum Wines expands portfolio

Published: 09 December, 2024

A leading importer of premium Cape wine has agreed to represent Hazendal, a Stellenbosch farm seeking distribution in the UK.

Leading Stellenbosch producer acquires Overhex Wines’ portfolio

Published: 02 December, 2024

Origin Wine has purchased the entire brand portfolio of Overhex Wines, a Worcester-based outfit that was set up 18 years ago by Gerhard van der Wath.

Badenhorst and South Africa expert Damon Quinlan join Liberty Wines

Published: 16 January, 2026

Distributor Liberty Wines has strengthened its South Africa portfolio with the addition of A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines and the expertise of Damon Quinlan, who joins the team with over 20 years’ experience selling South African wine into the UK.

Cape's stylistic breadth shines

Published: 20 November, 2024

South African wine is reaching new heights as quality and affordability combine to deliver premium sales. Andrew Catchpole reports.

South Africa hopeful of recovery after ‘challenging’ 2024 harvest

Published: 15 October, 2024

After a difficult 2024 season, which was characterised by floods, frost and strong winds, South African wine producers are optimistic about the 2025 harvest.

Rascallion and Hammonds of Knutsford sign new partnership

Published: 12 September, 2024

Family-owned independent wine and spirits specialist, Hammonds of Knutsford, has brokered a new partnership with Rascallion Wines of South Africa to be its exclusive agent in the UK and Ireland.

Four leading South Africa estates join Hallgarten

Published: 02 September, 2024

Hallgarten & Novum Wines is significantly expanding its South African portfolio with the exclusive addition of four premium suppliers from across the country.

Klein Constantia says farewell to Hans Astrom

Published: 17 June, 2024

Klein Constantia has announced that Hans Astrom, vice chairman and former MD, will be stepping down at the end of September after 12 years at the estate.

South African wine industry adapts to 2024 harvest challenges

Published: 20 May, 2024

The 2024 harvest season in South Africa has tested the resilience of its wine industry, with producers navigating various climatic challenges.

SA Wine partners with Stellenbosch University on 'pioneering' Chenin Blanc project

Published: 19 March, 2024

South Africa Wine, The South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI), Stellenbosch University, and the Chenin Blanc Association of South Africa (CBA) are launching a pioneering initiative to advance the prominence and economic viability of Chenin Blanc from the Cape.

Kingsland expands bottled at source range with Boland Cellar

Published: 02 February, 2024

Major bottler Kingsland Drinks has signed an exclusive deal with Boland Cellar in a move which will expand the company’s bottled at source premium portfolio to include South Africa.

DGB expands Helderberg footprint with Avontuur

Published: 23 January, 2024

As an extension to its already-significant investment into Stellenbosch’s Helderberg wine region, DGB has signed an agreement with Avontuur Estate to take over the running of the wine brand, including its wine production facilities and cellar door.