South Africa - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

South Africa anticipates reduced grape harvest in 2022

Published: 24 January, 2022

As vintage 2022 approches, South Africa's winegrowers are expecting a relatively small crop overall, when compared to last year.

South Africa's wine industry “must adapt to survive”

Published: 21 January, 2022

Wine oversight body Vinpro has urged South Africa’s winegrowers to use the pandemic crisis as an opportunity “to revive, recover and rebuild,” adapting current business models to better cope with a rapidly changing world.

South African packaged wine exports to UK rise 25%

Published: 20 January, 2022

In a massive boon for South Africa's quality-led growers, total exports of South African wine to the UK rose 20% by value and 12% in volume in 2021 according to the latest figures released by industry body SAWIS.

South Africa trade slams new travel ban

Published: 29 November, 2021

The international communities’ decision to prohibit travel to South Africa will have “significant implications” for the nation's struggling wine and tourism industries, according to oversight body VinPro.

New double bill sparkling launch for Graham Beck

Published: 11 October, 2021

South Africa’s leading sparkling wine brand in the UK market Graham Beck has launched a new ‘double bill’ named Yin & Yang, as part of its artisan collection.

Producer Q&A: Niël Groenewald and Zinaschke Steyn, Nederburg

Published: 05 October, 2021

Nederburg is the largest exporter of premium wine in South Africa, carrying a torch as a standard bearer for the country worldwide. Jo Gilbert talks bans, lockdown harvests and mental health resets with two of the company’s leading figures, MD Niël Groenewald and red winemaker, Zinaschke Steyn,

Radford Dale buys Elgin Ridge

Published: 07 September, 2021

South African label Radford Dale has acquired Elgin Ridge, Elgin's only certified organic and biodynamic wine estate.

Vinpro: ‘Hopeful for a positive outcome’

Published: 26 August, 2021

Vinpro has said it is “hopeful for a positive outcome” following the announcement by the Western Cape High Court that it reserved judgement in the court case during which the industry body contested the approach followed by government towards alcohol ban restrictions.

SA: When more is less

Published: 26 August, 2021

With South Africa’s wine industry enduring many challenges, including oversupply, we speak to leading producers and importers/buyers to assess how these will affect the country’s position in key markets, such as the UK. By Andrew Catchpole.

Q&A: Rollo Gabb, Journey’s End

Published: 24 August, 2021

Having bagged Star of South Africa and a deserved Star Design for his Journey’s End estate’s Identity wines, owner Rollo Gabb talks Andrew Catchpole through the label and liquid behind these Wine Stars Awards winners.

Vinpro pledges to continue fight as court case starts

Published: 23 August, 2021

Vinpro has pledged to continue its fight to help fully reopen and rebuild the SA wine industry.

DGB acquires majority stake in Backsberg

Published: 11 August, 2021

South Africa’s DGB has acquired the majority shareholding in Backsberg, a long-established name in the Cape winelands which has been in the hands of the Back family for over a century.

Vinpro interdict hearing to take place Wednesday

Published: 20 July, 2021

Vinpro has confirmed that it is to argue its urgent interim interdict application in the Western Cape High Court tomorrow (Wednesday 21 July).

Waitrose further supports SA wine industry

Published: 13 July, 2021

Waitrose has announced it is offering a one-off virtual tasting in order to further support the beleaguered South African wine industry.

Vinpro interdict hearing postponed

Published: 07 July, 2021

Vinpro’s urgent interim interdict application to lift the latest ban on wine sales in the Western Cape has been postponed.

Vinpro launches interim interdict application to lift ban

Published: 30 June, 2021

Vinpro has launched an urgent interim interdict application to lift the ban on the sale of wine in the Western Cape in a bid to seek interim relief for wine businesses.

WoSA: ‘Industry deeply disturbed by alcohol ban’

Published: 28 June, 2021

Wines of South Africa (WoSA) has voiced deep concern following President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing another total ban on the sale of alcohol yesterday, marking the fourth ban since the start of the pandemic.

Fourth alcohol ban for South Africa

Published: 28 June, 2021

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol for the fourth time since the start of the pandemic.

South African wine exports face challenges at port terminals

Published: 23 June, 2021

New plans to make the South Africa’s Cape Town Port more efficient have been welcomed by Vinpro, the non-profit company which represents almost 2,600 South African wine producers, cellars and industry stakeholders.

Vinpro: ‘Blanket approach unnecessary, unjustified and counterproductive’

Published: 16 June, 2021

Vinpro has warned about the “dire consequences” another alcohol ban, or restrictions on wine sales, would hold for related businesses and the livelihoods of those working in the South African wine industry value-chain.