Cape crusaders: South Africa’s wine needs you!

SOUTH Africa’s wine industry has had a troubled time of late.Yields were hit by three years of devastating drought, so 2020 was meant to herald a stunning comeback. But Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown ban on domestic alcohol sales and transportation plus strict curbs on wine production stalled the recovery and hit the country’s wineries harder than most.This week finally saw the partial lifting of the booze ban and there are hopes of a revival. But we can support SA producers, workers and exporters now (literally tens of thousands of people rely on the industry in the country) by drinking their delicious wines.

However, it would be a grave mistake to see South African wine as a charity case.The country’s reputation rightly rests on world-class wines at great value for money.There really are some gems to be discovered.

Rollo Gabb, MD of the Journey’s End Vineyard in Stellenbosch and chairman of Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa, said: “Finally, 2020 vintage was back on form.Yields were normalised and the Cape looked to deliver an exceptional vintage across pretty much all regions – almost as good as the incredible 2015 vintage – but progress has stopped in its tracks because of coronavirus.

“Since March we have witnessed a mix of government policy decisions ranging from a ban on wine production, a ban on wine exports and a ban on alcohol sales.This coupled with a 9pm curfew has put immense pressure on the hospitality sector.”

We can all help by buying and drinking South African and there are plenty of mouth-watering wines to try.

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