The one-time giant of the wine industry is looking like it’s going to continue its major resurgence back to former glory with it being backed for a superb harvest, straight off the back of its rising popularity now that people opt to buy South African wine all across Europe.
In comparison to some other nations of produce, South Africa’s prime harvest is between November and April with early indications pointing at a fantastic roster in the making for 2014. This is down to many positive influences but South Africa as a wine-making country seems only like prospering even further.
The statistics may indicate that actual production is down from 2013 but this is little wonder when you consider what a record-breaking year it’s been with such widespread success.
An astounding 469 million litres of wine were exported over this year in what is a sure sign that it’s stock continues to rise by smashing previous records. The produce really has found a home all across the Western world for its boutique qualities.
Although signs are good for the new harvest, less than optimal weather conditions have hampered what could have been an even more prolific season. Dampness on many soils of the regions has affected the budding process which a less than ordinary series of conditions over the month of October also having their part to play. However, its effects have been minimal and so should the effect on the overall quantity of wines.
“We experienced a very good winter (in 2013) with sufficient cold weather and higher than average rainfall, which guaranteed favourable bud burst and resulted in large catchment and farm dams being full,” said Francois Viljoen of the wine producers’ body VinPro.
“It seems as though vineyard plantings are experiencing a revival and fewer vineyards are being uprooted.”
Time can only tell how large the export business will be worth to South Africa for 2014 but if it’s anywhere near the record-breaking year which preceded it, wine lovers everywhere could be in for a fantastic season.