Marginal increase in SA wine crop

Published: 23 July, 2008

2008 will see marginal increases in the size of the South African wine harvest.

Data from South Africa Wine Industry Information & Systems (Sawis) shows the grape crop next year will likely amount to 1,357,169 tons - up 0.4% on 2007 figures.

The 2008 wine harvest is predicted to be around the 1,053.2 million-litre mark with 776 litres being recovered per ton of grapes.

Sawis outlined some of the reasons for the slightly bigger crop, which included good winter conditions, vigorous vineyard and budding growth plus a good crop load on all cultivars.

There are bigger crops predicted for the Orange River and Stellenbosch regions in the new year while decreases could be seen in Little Karoo and Worcester/Breedekloof.

Domestic wine sales were up by 4.8% in the 12-month period from November 2006 to October 2007 but is was wine exports that saw the most growth - a 14.3% increase.

South African wine exports are expected to grow by between 6% and 9% in 2008.

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