South African harvest slumps to record low

The South African wine grape harvest in 2019 hit a record low thanks to a drought and fluctuating weather conditions. However, winemakers are positive about the quality of the resulting vintage.

Journey’s End revamps range

Journey’s End is revamping its range of wines to provide “clear differentiation” between its three series, Tales, V and Icon, while maintaining a “consistent theme across the family of wines”.

South Africa records export value growth but sliding volumes

The South African wine industry has recorded 4% growth in value exports to R9.06 billion in 2018, but volumes fell 6% due to the small size of recent vintages.

Amathus takes on Org de Rac

Amathus Drinks has signed a deal as the UK distributor of organically certified South African wine producer Org de Rac.

Hallgarten expands Lismore portfolio

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has expanded its line of wines from South Africa's Lismore Estate with the addition of the producer's Reserve trio.

Distell names new premium wine company

South African juggernaut Distell has officially announced the launch of its new premium wine division which will go by the name Libertas Vineyards and Estates.

Neil Ellis joins Gonzalez Byass UK

Quoin Rock releases Black Series Méthode Cap Classique

Quoin Rock has revealed the maiden release of its Black Series Méthode Cap Classique.

Bruce Jack UK launch

Prominent South African winemaker Bruce Jack officially launched his new eponymous wine range yesterday at High Timber restaurant in London.

Distell to launch fine wine division

African wine, spirits and cider giant Distell is set to launch a new premium wine division with Nederburg as its flagship, Harpers can reveal.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective launch lays down gauntlet to UK and US buyers

Be prepared to pay more or risk losing top Stellenbosch Cabernets to the Asian market was one of the messages to UK and US buyers at the launch of the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective at Cape Wine 2018.

Cape Wine 2018 calls to address challenge of profitability with investment in training and people

Sustainability in both economic and human terms was outlined as the key challenge facing Cape winemakers at the opening conference of Cape Wine 2018.

Repositioning South Africa

Celebrated by critics but crippled by drought and low returns, South Africa rarely has an easy ride. 

Few in the trade could have missed the ongoing challenges facing South Africa’s wine producers as the worst drought in 100 years continues to afflict the Cape. With the 2018 crop predicted to be down by 15% after two years of water shortage that almost saw Cape Town meet “day zero” and turn off its domestic supply, the harvest has been described by Bibendum’s South Africa buyer, Paul Meihuizen, as “the most challenging I have ever known”.

Red Squirrel hits the road for portfolio tasting

Red Squirrel is heading out of London for its annual tasting for the first time, with plans to bring its focus on small artisanal producers to Bristol and Manchester.

Accolade turns spotlight on Kumala with biggest investment in 10 years

Accolade Wines has turned the spotlight on its South African Kumala wine brand with a £1 million campaign.

South Africa 2018 harvest “most challenging” in living memory

Serious drought in the Western Cape affected both natural supplies of water and government allocations ahead of this year’s harvest.

Laarman grows portfolio with new premium collection

Laarman Wines has unveiled the maiden vintage of its premium Focal Point collection.

VinPro reports 15% smaller harvest

VinPro has reported a 15% smaller harvest (1 220 920 tonnes) across South Africa compared to 2017 – one of the smallest crops in more than a decade.

Distell sells Uitkyk to Warwick Wine Estate

Distell has sold its Uitkyk wine farm to Warwick Wine Estate for an undisclosed sum.

Distell defies challenging season with promising harvest

Distell has reported a ‘promising quality’ harvest despite experiencing one of the most challenging seasons in recent years.