South Africa’s wine industry is raising a glass to a season of outstanding quality and promise. The 2025 wine grape harvest has been characterised by exceptional fruit quality, thanks to sustained mild and dry conditions that delivered grapes of superb balance, flavour concentration, and structure – the hallmarks of premium wine production.
According to Dr Etienne Terblanche, a consultation service manager at Vinpro, the season offered near-ideal ripening conditions in coastal and inland regions, allowing for steady ripening and balanced fruit development. “Cooler temperatures during ripening helped preserve acidity and enhanced the development of colour and flavour compounds, particularly in cultivars such as Pinotage, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. These are wines we can be proud of.”
Moderate weather during flowering and berry development promoted even fruit set. Despite isolated challenges such as brief heat peaks in December and January, vineyards displayed vigorous growth with relatively low disease pressure. While production remains below long-term averages due to a shrinking vineyard footprint, this year’s quality vintage aligns with the industry’s focus on driving premiumisation.
According to the latest harvest estimate by industry body SAWIS, the 2025 grape harvest yielded 1.244 million tonnes from 86 544 hectares.
“This harvest underscores the resilience and commitment of our growers and winemakers to elevate South African wine to greater heights,” says Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine. “What matters most is not only the quality in the glass, but also the value created via a focused sales and marketing opportunity across more than 120 markets globally. A premium harvest like this strengthens our position as a vital contributor to the national economy.”
On the global front, the vintage arrives at an opportune time as demand for premium, sustainably produced wines continues to rise.
“The 2025 vintage presents us with a compelling story to take to international markets,” adds Siobhan Thompson, CEO of Wines of South Africa (WoSA). “Buyers and consumers increasingly seek authenticity, quality, and provenance, and South Africa delivers on all three. This vintage gives us the tools to showcase that to our global markets confidently.”
The 2025 season also marks the centenary celebration of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature grape, making this harvest even more meaningful for the local wine community and export markets.
Overview of the production areas
Despite varying volumes, all wine-growing regions reported above-average to exceptional quality, with unique regional expressions shining through.
Breedekloof
A powerful year for Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, flavour-packed berries and concentrated musts contributing to wines with structure and elegance.
Cape South Coast
Cool, stable weather led to balanced acids and nuanced flavours, especially in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The region continues to build its reputation for premium cool-climate wines.
Klein Karoo
A relatively impact of hail during the growing season, but excellent flavour development in Muscat and other cultivars traditionally used for fortified wines. Minimal disease pressure allowed growers to pick at optimal ripeness.
Olifants River
Despite conservative yields in Chenin Blanc, the region saw excellent colour development and pH balance in red cultivars. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon stood out.
Northern Cape
Early ripening and efficient irrigation management supported solid fruit quality. The region reported healthy grapes and good balance in Colombar and Chenin Blanc.
Paarl
Robust red varieties like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon displayed intense colour and tannin ripeness, with balanced yields contributing to premium wine potential.
Robertson
The region benefited from ideal ripening conditions and moderate temperatures, resulting in fresh, fruit-driven whites and well-structured reds, particularly in Shiraz and Chardonnay.
Stellenbosch
A flagship season for premium reds. Sufficient hang time resulted in deeply coloured and structured wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are expected to produce age-worthy wines of distinction.
Swartland
Dryland vineyards produced concentrated fruit, especially Chenin Blanc and Shiraz. The region’s signature bush vines thrived in the dry conditions, benefiting from significant day-night temperature shifts, resulting in high-quality wines.
Worcester
A season marked by isolated warm periods with well-managed water resources led to good fruit quality, especially in Colombar and Sauvignon Blanc. Red cultivars like Pinotage showed promising colour and mouthfeel.
Read the full 2025 technical harvest report here: https://user-Hpa96Tt.cld.bz/Vinpro-Technical-Harvest-Report-2025
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Wanda Augustyn
Head of Brand and Communications
Tel: 021 276 0458
Email: wanda@sawine.co.za