Vintage Reports
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South African wine looks to balance and quality as 2027 season begins October 2026
South African wine looks to balance and quality as 2027 season begins October 2026
2026 South African wine harvest positions industry for global value growth
2026 South African wine harvest positions industry for global value growth
South African wine grape crop maintains momentum heading into 2026
South African wine grape crop maintains momentum heading into 2026
South African wine looks ahead to promising 2026 harvest
South African wine looks ahead to promising 2026 harvest
South African wine industry celebrates exceptional quality harvest in 2025
South African wine industry celebrates exceptional quality harvest in 2025
South African wine harvest 2025: Exceptional quality on the horizon
South African wine harvest 2025: Exceptional quality on the horizon
2025 harvest expectation signals improvement for South African wine industry
2025 harvest expectation signals improvement for South African wine industry
Favourable conditions leave South African producers hopeful of a good quality 2025 harvest
Favourable conditions leave South African producers hopeful of a good quality 2025 harvest
Quality and resilience characterise the 2024 South Africa wine harvest
Quality and resilience characterise the 2024 South Africa wine harvest
Optimistic outlook despite challenges: Second estimate for 2024 wine grape harvest released
Optimistic outlook despite challenges: Second estimate for 2024 wine grape harvest released
First crop estimate for 2024 suggests good outlook
First crop estimate for 2024 suggests good outlook
South Africa expects exceptional 2020 vintage desp
South Africa expects exceptional 2020 vintage despite COVID-19 lockdown
South African Harvest 2019 – A record low, but qua
South African Harvest 2019 – A record low, but quality shines
Harvest 2019
As I write it’s nearly mid-February and Harvest 2019 in the Cape is gathering steam. What will it bring? Taking a break from the cellar, a few winemakers tell me their experience so far.
SA Wine Harvest 2018
SA Wine Harvest 2018: Big challenges in the vineyard, big surprises in the cellar
Preview of Harvest 2018
Years swing by so swiftly, it seems like yesterday harvest 2017 finished; yet, 2018 has already started with bubbly producers taking in the first grapes during the second week of January – around a week later than last year.
South African Wine Harvest 2016
The South African wine industry can expect a smaller wine grape harvest in 2016, should the dry seasonal conditions persist in November.
South African wine harvest repor
by VinPro - The South African wine industry will remember the 2015 season as one of the driest and earliest in years, with a somewhat smaller wine grape harvest promising exceptional wines.
Aftermath of the Southern Peninsula fire
Saturday 28 February was a perfect Cape summer’s day –blue skies, barely a breeze, a warm sun and bewitching scenery. Buitenverwachting’s spacious lawns were crowded with wine lovers enjoying fine wines from many of the Cape’s top producers and food from renowned chefs at the annual Constantia Fresh. No one had any idea that within 24 hours a fire, started somewhere on the mountains above Muizenberg, would be raging along the Peninsula mountain range, towards Noordhoek on the one side, Constantia Valley on the other, and with many wine farms in its path.
Harvest 2015 update (part one)
Extraordinary. It’s a word that even mid-harvest may be applied with some confidence, especially in relation to the early start. Hardly had winemakers returned from Christmas and New Year holidays than they had to don their winemaking gear, ready to receive the first grapes.
Harvest 2015 update (part two)
From the coast to further inland. Do things change? Happily, no. Andrea Mullineux of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines in the Swartland kindly took off a few minutes from late-night pressing and filling of barrels to confirm that the harvest is “fast and furious”. “The harvest’s not just early, it’s compact,” she explains. “We started two weeks early but will finish three to four weeks early too!” The last grapes came in on 12 February. The fruit is concentrated, healthy and ripe at lower Balling levels. Skins of white varieties are slightly more phenolic; reds have thick skins and big tannins. Juice recovery is lower. She attributes all to a dry spring.
VR - SA wine grape harvest half way
The South African wine industry has harvested nearly half of what is expected to be a very promising 2015 wine grape crop
2014 Southern Hemisphere Harvest
A first look at vintage quality down south, with eyewitness reports from growers and winemakers. By James Molesworth for Wine Spectator.
South African Wine Harvest Repor
Wine harvest promising despite challenging season. By VinPro.
SA wine grape crop set to be good, but below 5year
SA wine grape crop set to be good, but below five-year average
SA wine industry issues second crop estimate
SA wine industry issues second crop estimate
South Africas grape harvest is d
South Africa is on course for an average sized, good quality harvest despite heavy rains, says the body representing 3,600 of the country's producers.
South Africas 2014 wine harvest
South Africa's harvest is set for a "mild decline" in 2014, as the picking season draws to an end. By Gemma McKenna for Harpers.co.uk
Harvest prospects for Elgin Bot
While harvest 2014 is well into its stride in Stellenbosch, Paarl and surrounds, further south things are either just getting underway or will do so within the next two weeks.
Vintage prospects for 2014
Vintage 2014 is looking promising for vintners in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with views ranging from 'cautiously optimistic' to 'very excited'. A cold, wet winter meant vines enjoyed extended rest and a full re-charge, while cooler soils in spring lead to later bud burst.
District Conditions October 2013
2014 South African Wine Grape Seasonal Overview ( Winter & Spring) and Crop Expectations
SAWIS Report October 2012
District conditions (winter and spring 2012) and 2013 crop expectations
Harvest Sales and Stock Estimate
Access SAWIS' Harvest, Sales and Stock Estimate here
South African Wine Harvest Repor
Wine industry expecting record crop. Media release by VinPro Consultation Services.
Vintage Report - Grape and Wine Crop February 2012
Download SAWIS` Grape and Wine Crop - February 2012
Harvest and Sales Estimate Janua
Download SAWIS` Harvest and Sales Estimate - January 2012
Vintage Report - 2012 Wine Grape Crop - bigger
The 2012 wine grape crop should amount to 1 351 714 tons, according to industry (producer cellars and viticultural consultants) estimates on 29 November 2011.
Vintage Report - Larger wine harvest 2012 expected
The wine industry is positive that a good growing season will yield a larger harvest, despite a decline in the area under vines in recent years.
Vintage Report - New year, new harvest, new books
So, here we go again another year is already well into its stride and the 2012 harvest is around the corner.
Vintage Report - Seasonal Overview (Winter & Sprin
Download SAWIS` seasonal overview for winter and spring 2011
2011 Wine grape harvest will be
The 2011 crop is currently estimated to amount to 1 255 561 tons. According to surveys in mid-February by producer cellars and viticulturists in the various regions, the crop will be approximately 0.3% smaller than the 2010 harvest.
2011 Wine Grape Crop bigger than
Access SAWIS' crop estimate for the 2011 harvest here
Harvest and Sales Estimate Janua
Access SAWIS' Harvest and Sales Estimate - January 2011 here
Harvest Sales Estimate August 20
Access SAWIS' Harvest and Sales Estimate - August 2010 here
Harvest Report 2010
Tricky in the vineyard, great in the cellar. Provided by Sawis, in collaboration with VinPro Consultation Service, with additional research by Romi Boom and Angela Lloyd.
Harvest and Sales Estimate April
Access SAWIS' Harvest and Sales Estimate - April 2010 here
Further decrease in wine grape h
The third crop estimate made by producer cellars and viticulturists in the various regions during the second week of February, shows a decrease of more than 62 000 tons compared to the January estimate.
2010 Wine grape crop smaller tha
The 2010 wine grape crop should amount to 1 319 246 tons, according to the crop estimate by the industry (producer cellars and viticultural consultants) on 27 November 2009.
2010 wyndruiwe oes in alle distr
Die 2010-wyndruiwe-oes behoort 1 319 246 ton te beloop, volgens die bedryf (produsentekelders en wingerdkonsultante) se oesskatting van 27 November 2009.
2009 Harvest Report
Read all about harvest 2009 in this comprehensive report compiled by Angela Lloyd for Wines of South Africa.
Further decrease in 2009 wine gr
The 2009 wine grape harvest should amount to 1,300,202 tons, according to industry estimates (producer cellars and viticultural consultants) on 16 February 2009.
Harvest and Sales Estimate March
Access SAWIS' harvest and sales estimate for 2009 here.
2009 wine grape harvest smaller
The 2009 wine grape harvest should amount to 1 322 490 tons, according to industry estimates (producer cellars and viticultural consultants) on 28 November 2008.
2008 Harvest Report
Read all about harvest 2008 in this comprehensive report compiled by Angela Lloyd for Wines of South Africa.
Patience pays off for Cape Winem
"Patience, patience and more patience," is how Philip Costandius, Chairman of the Cape Winemakers Guild, describes the 2008 grape harvest, which seemed to take forever but brought welcome rewards of lower alcohol, more elegant reds and some above average whites.
Early Harvest Report 2008
The South African 2008 harvest is underway, with the first grapes being picked in January.
2008 Wine Grape Crop Same Size a
The 2008 wine grape crop will likely amount to 1 357 169 tons.
Do You Have The Energy For Harve
With power cuts from national electricity firm Eskom a reality, Kim Maxwell considers the financial implications of an energy-strapped harvest period
It is 2008 and as Predicted Move
As harvest 2008 slips into gear, Kim Maxwell does a headcount of recent cellar hops
South African Wine Harvest Repor
Cool growing season produces exciting red and white wines - compiled by SAWIS (PDF file)
Decrease in grape harvest
The 2007 wine grape harvest, in full swing at the moment, should be completed earlier than the norm, which means the SA wines will be the first of the 2007 vintage to hit Europe for summer.
Warmer Areas Mostly Wrapped Up
The Cape�s regional diversity shows as harvest is over in some spots, while others still put pickers through their paces. Kim Maxwell asks about quality in Durbanville, Stellenbosch,Vredendal, Elgin, Robertson and Paarl.
Full Beam Ahead in Tulbagh and S
As night beams are regularly recharged in Tulbagh, cooler February temperatures have brough relief in some parts of Darling, reports Kim Maxwell.
Harvest 5 Picking and Pressing a
While much of the Western Cape�s cellars are past the halfway mark, Kim Maxwell wondered how vines are progressing in less usual locations, and discovered submarine oenology en route.
Stellenbosch Temperatures Soar
Soaring temperatures during the week of January 22nd brought early harvest activity in the Stellenbosch area, although other regions are mostly sitting tight for still wines. Then temperatures cooled dramatically on Monday January 29th, with a light drizzle or grey clouds draping much of the Boland. This week�s outlook suggests temperatures should rise into the mid-thirties, reports Kim Maxwell.
2007 Wine grape harvest bigger h
The 2007 wine grape harvest is estimated at 1,335,050 ton according to the industry�s estimate from producer cellars and viticulturists as at 24 November 2006. This is 2,8 per cent more than the 2006 grape harvest.
A Fizzy Start
The Cape's 2007 harvest fizzes with plenty of bubbly base wines in the making, the bulk of the picking in Robertson. Kim Maxwell reports on what appears to be a healthy vintage.
Producers Dreams Go Barrel Up
Wine barrel cargo from a damaged container ship lands local producers and suppliers in trouble, while temperatures speed up harvest action, reports Kim Maxwell.
2006 Cape Winemakers Guild membe
The Stellenbosch region experienced a cold, wet winter which gave the vines a good start
Harvest Report 8 Its a wrap in s
Harvest in Darling and Robertson is practically over, but Constantia and Vredendal wineries still have a way to go, writes Kim Maxwell.
Harvest Report 7 The halfway mar
As remaining cellars reach their halfway mark many positively report physiological ripeness at lower temperatures, hence lower alcohol wines.
Wine industry faces another dry
While a surplus at wine cellars gave rise to a 'wine lake' theory three years ago, it now seems that a large wine drought is imminent.
Harvest Report 3 Cellar action i
Kim Maxwell does a random check of cellars and finds that a few more are easing into action, but many haven�t wet their tanks yet.
Harvest Report 5 Red alert for s
Cellars in Paarl, Malmesbury and Calitzdorp have moved into reds, but white varieties are still dominating receiving bins elsewhere.
Harvest Report 6
Recent electricity power cuts affecting the Western Cape have had an adverse knock-on effect on the 2006 harvest. Kim Maxwell used laptop battery power to file this report on Wednesday, but WineNews web postings were delayed by a day as outages continue.
Harvest Report Fires singe South
Kim Maxwell reports on extensive fire damage of premium Southern Cape vineyards in late January and finds that early February temperatures are giving impetus to harvesting momentum.
Harvest 2006 Assessments and pre
South Africa�s harvest 2006 kicks off as viticulturists predict the outcome
Harvest Report 1 Fires in focus
As the Cape 2006 harvest trickles into action, attention remains focused on blocking the spread of Boland fires, writes Kim Maxwell.
Harvest Report 2 Robertson activ
Stellenbosch and neighbouring areas aren't harvesting aside from a sprinkling of sparkling wine batches. But Kim Maxwell reports that many Robertson farms are bringing in MCC grapes and Sauvignon Blanc already.
Where theres smoke theres fire
South Africa, Australia and California are notoriously prone to wildfires. Fire is a feature of the environment and often essential to maintain the natural ecosystem. But fire and wine don't mix, writes Frank Smith from Australia, where research on 'smoke taint' is underway.
2005 Wine grape harvest about qu
Despite a serious drought, unpredictable weather and lower volumes than last year, the 2005 national wine-grape harvest was superb. Winemakers in all 10 regions agree that this was a record harvest - in terms of quality, not quantity.
Harvest 2005 Part 6 Remaining re
As the harvest wraps up for most by mid-March 2005, a few cellars are still primed for pump-overs. Paarl and surrounds are nearly done and most Darling vineyards have been cleared. As Easter weekend looms, Durbanville reds are coming in fast, while Robertson's unusual weather patterns have forced a frustrating waiting period, writes Kim Maxwell.
Wine shortage to flow from poor
Two consecutive dry winters in most of the South African wine regions have resulted in the sharpest decline in the grape harvest in years, and a shortage in locally produced white wine can be expected later in the year.
Harvest 2005 Part 1
As harvest 2005 kicks off, a weather prediction would probably sound something like: 'Scattered showers of Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Heavier storms to come.' Harvest 2005 started with a drizzle of grapes, but it'll take a weatherman's guesstimate to pinpoint the remaining features.
Harvest 2005 Part 2 High rainfal
Winemakers expected a super-quick harvest during 2005, but heavy rain has slowed the pace. The area surrounding Wellington was one of the hardest-hit, reports our woman on the ground and in the know, Kim Maxwell.
Harvest 2005 Part 3 Different pa
Late January heavy rains hampered harvest for many Western Cape cellars. Heading northwest to the Olifants River, and even further to Orange River territory in the Northern Cape, the weather and picking picture is quite different, writes our dedicated harvest-reporter, Kim Maxwell.
Harvest 2005 Part 4 Elgin Bot Ri
Vigilant viticulture and sorting has resulted in nicely aromatic whites and concentrated darker-skinned reds, even if tonnage is down and 2005 doesn't look to be a cracker. It's full throttle ahead in Elgin apple country to wind-whipped Kleinrivier, down Bot River's basking valleys and along the fynbos-hugging curves of the Hemel-en-Aarde, writes Kim Maxwell.
Harvest 2005 Part 5 Major qualit
March 2005 signals the end of whites for some and being in the thick of reds for others. Stellenbosch and Paarl are peaking halfway or ending their vintage, while Durbanville and Darling farms have just started harvesting whites. While some cultivars are down, others have equaled or improved on 2004's crops, writes Kim Maxwell.
SA Harvest Report continued
Olifants River and Orange River regions analyzed in last edition.
Robertson SA Harvest Report 2004
Robertson and Klein Karoo regions under the magnifying glass.
Stellenbosch SA Harvest Report 2
A good year for Shiraz in Stellenbosch and Chardonnay in Worcester/Rawsonville.
Selective sorting but jumbled vi
Unpredictable and rather higgledy-piggledy harvest
Elgin gets into swing as Walker
2003 Harvest in Elgin, Bot River and Hemel en Aarde
Good 2003 Sauvignon Blanc from C
High expectations haven't been dampened by recent rains
Harvest 2003 gets under way
The aroma of fermenting must is once again hovering over the Cape winelands
Harvest 2001 Constantia many las
Kim Maxwell reports that ferments are looking good.
Harvest 2001 Paarl and Wellingto
Kim Maxwell asks producers in Paarl and Wellington to hedge their bets for 2001
Harvest 2001 Stellenbosch
The vintage is squaring up nicely in one of the Cape's oldest wine regions
Harvest 2001 Walker Bay
Many producers in Walker Bay are well underway, especially in the Hemel en Aarde Valley.
Harvest 2001 wrap up of the Wine
Kim Maxwell wraps up the Cape's 2001 vintage with comments from a range of areas
