Improving wine quality control using an electronic tongue
Ensuring wine quality throughout production is vital for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Microbial spoilage organisms pose a significant risk to wine quality, requiring early detection and management of faults. While sensory panels have traditionally been used for this purpose, recent technological advancements, such as the electronic tongue (e-tongue), offer
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
Grape production in the Sao Francisco Valley in Brazil requires large amounts of fertiliser input, fuelling cost inflation for producers. Researchers prospected six sites for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to identify beneficial species, promote further research and possibly reduce fertiliser inputs. Project Layout Rhizospheric soil samples were collected from six
Unveiling the Influence of Country-of-Origin bias on expert wine judgments
Are your wine preferences truly unbiased, or could they be subtly swayed by the country where the wine originates? A new study conducted at the renowned ProWein International Wine and Spirits Fair in Germany aimed to shed light on this intriguing question. Project layout Twenty-two wine traders from ten
Irrigation strategy and timing of canopy interventions to improve wine quality with minimal crop loss
A field study was conducted in the hot climate of the San Joaquin Valley, where producers struggle to achieve optimal berry colour. Canopy manipulation by hand is a costly endeavour, forcing producers to turn toward mechanical leaf removal. The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between mechanical
Irrigation strategy during heatwaves: Softening the blow
All over the world, vineyards are subjected to extreme heat events during the ripening period, and irrigation is a way of mitigating the negative effects of these heat spikes. A three-year Californian study evaluated the impact of three different irrigation strategies pre – and during heatwaves on grapevine physiology, berry
THE EVOLUTION OF WORLD WINE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION BY COLOUR – OIV 2023 REPORT
This report on the Evolution of World Wine Production and Consumption by Colour has been prepared by the Statistics Department of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). Over the past decades, the world wine sector has seen an overall positive production and consumption trend of white and rosé
Choosing commercial yeasts
The two most important considerations for optimal fermentation are, firstly, the yeast(s) ability to ferment to dryness in the given conditions without becoming sluggish or stuck and within the time frame required for process optimisation, and secondly, the sensory profile of the yeast. These two aspects go hand in hand.
Long-term vineyard grazing increases soil carbon storage
In this study, researchers wanted to understand the impact of vineyard grazing on soil organic carbon and underlying biochemical processes to develop best management practices for this growing management outlook. The authors looked to identify the benefits and trade-offs of re-introducing livestock to farming systems to decrease the dependency on
Ageing on lees
For many wines, ageing on the lees is fundamental to their production, most notably in traditional-method sparkling wines and white Burgundy. Producers of the former tout the time spent on lees as a quality indicator, and many still wines call out their sur lie production on the label. What the
The Shiraz Times November 2023
On 8 November 2023, Shiraz SA held their 16th annual technical seminar. During this event, the first edition of the Shiraz Times magazine was launched. The magazine is a South Africa Wine publication compiled for Shiraz SA to support the cultivar association in their knowledge transfer and marketing efforts of
SEARCH TAGS
Why young talent matters in the South African wine industry
The 30 Under 30 class of 2026 showed that there is no shortage of talent in South African wine. The task now is to continue creating an environment where capable people can grow, contribute and build long careers in the industry.
Confronting climate change (CCC) benchmark report 2025
CCC Benchmark Report 2025 Confronting Climate Change (CCC) is a carbon footprinting initiative developed to support fruit and wine organisations by identifying and responding to the risks and opportunities associated with carbon emissions. The CCC online carbon calculator constantly evolves to keep up with the ever-changing carbon context. The 2025
UNDERSTANDING ESG AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE WINE INDUSTRY
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a comprehensive framework that helps organisations measure and communicate their sustainability and ethical impact.
PEOPLE WITH PURPOSE
You might know Aware.org as the organisation behind harm reduction in the alcohol industry.
SHAPING GLOBAL WINE POLICY
This year’s meetings emphasised committee work plans (economic, environmental and social sustainability), ensuring FIVS effectively advocates for the global wine industry.
South African Wine exports: trends, insights & opportunities
The South African wine export sector demonstrated resilience in 2024, achieving a 4% year-on-year increase in value to US$562 million despite navigating a contracting global wine market.
Cheers to Agri-Worker Excellence
As the cellar foreman at Kanonkop Wine Estate, his journey is of perseverance, skill, and a huge love for his craft. On Thursday, 6 February 2025, his contributions were recognised during the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event at Groot Constantia, where he became the first-ever recipient of the Wine Agri-Worker Award
CHANGE THROUGH PARTNERSHIP
The South African wine industry is embarking on a diversity journey that redefines its role in the global wine economy through strategic partnerships and a sharpened focus on social sustainability.
Confronting climate change (CCC) benchmark report 2024
CCC Benchmark Report 2024 Confronting Climate Change (CCC) is a carbon footprinting initiative developed to support fruit and wine organisations by identifying and responding to the risks and opportunities associated with carbon emissions. The CCC online carbon calculator constantly evolves to keep up with the ever-changing carbon context. The 2024
The Confronting Climate Change initiative
In an era where climate change is no longer just a looming threat but a pressing reality, industries worldwide seek ways to mitigate their carbon footprint. Among these sectors, the fruit and wine industries stand out for their significant environmental impact. However, with the introduction of the Confronting Climate Change
