Cluster thinning severity and timing impact on crop and fruit composition
Cluster thinning is a practice widely used in the context of fine wine production in South Africa.
Pinotage Response to Irrigation Strategy and Trellis System
Producing more grapes with the same amount of water is a way to increase water use efficiency. It also ensures economic sustainability in areas where rainfall is limited, and irrigation is needed to achieve acceptable crop levels. The question posed by the researchers was, can it be done, and what
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.
Sulphur – Silicate mix efficacy in controlling Powdery Mildew
Sulphur is heavily relied upon in organically farmed vineyards to control powdery mildew.
Underperforming young vines, water stress and Petri disease
Petri disease is a grapevine trunk disease responsible for the decline and dying of young vines a few years after planting. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pch) is one of the main Petri disease-causing pathogens in asymptomatic vine plant material. It is believed that Pch remains latent within plant material, but when young
THE ETHICS OF AI IN THE WINE INDUSTRY: NAVIGATING INNOVATION RESPONSIBLY
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, offering tools that promise efficiency, precision, and innovation. In the wine industry, AI has the potential to revolutionise everything from vineyard management and winemaking to marketing and consumer engagement. As we embrace AI wine industry advancements in South Africa, we must consider their
MOVERS AND SHAKERS: MICHELLE WALDECK, WINEMAKER AT BENGUELA COVE
South Africa’s wine industry is bursting with fresh talent, and Michelle Waldeck stands out as one of the most promising young winemakers shaping its future. At just 29 years old, Michelle has left an indelible mark on the industry, crafting award-winning wines and championing sustainability at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine
INNOVATORS AND PIONEERS BOLSTERING THE IMAGE OF SOUTH AFRICAN WINE
South Africa’s wine industry has never been as prominent as it is now, led by an energetic new generation of talent alongside established figures who have been pushing boundaries for years. Today’s winemakers, viticulturists, sommeliers, and marketers are creating fresh paths to success, melding innovation with tradition and showcasing the
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Are you giving your customers headaches?
Introduction Wine is a complex beverage that undergoes various transformations during the winemaking process. One of the most critical phases during red wine production is malolactic fermentation (MLF), where malic acid is converted into lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This process helps reduce acidity and significantly impacts wine
Methoxypyrazines in wine
If a wine seems “green”, “herbaceous”, or “vegetal”, aroma compounds called methoxypyrazines (MPs) could be responsible. MPs are particularly important due to their ubiquity in grapevines and their extremely low aroma thresholds. These low thresholds make MPs some of the most odor-active compounds found in wine. Occasionally, they can have
