MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH ORGANIC FARMING
Leading organic wine producers have united to form Organic Wines South Africa (OWSA), marking a significant step toward sustainable viticulture in the region. We talked to newly appointed treasurer Johane Reyneke about embracing organic. Formally established on September 4th, 2024, the association brings together 11 founding members representing the country’s core
HOW AWARE.ORG IS SHAPING A RESPONSIBLE FUTURE
In an increasingly complex world where alcohol-related harm continues to challenge communities, Aware.org is making strides in building a safer, more responsible tomorrow. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, innovative programmes, and a focus on behavioural change, Aware.org is not only addressing the immediate impacts of alcohol misuse but also
Shiraz Aroma Wheel launch
South Africa’s first official Shiraz Aroma Wheel was launched at the 2024 Shiraz Technical Workshop at Allée Bleue Wine Estate. The Wheel results from a research collaboration between Stellenbosch University, South Africa Wine, and Shiraz SA, the association dedicated to promoting South African Shiraz wines. The Shiraz Aroma Wheel results
Leaning canopy experiment to better utilise favourable sunlight hours and minimise radiation
Researchers in Spain aimed to study different field strategies to help growers adapt to hot and arid climate conditions. VSP-trained vineyard canopy orientation relative to the sun path can be manipulated by slope aspect orientation (site selection) and row direction choice. A third possibility of manipulation might be an angled
Sugar levels in alcohol-free wines
The global wine industry faces significant challenges, including a decline in per capita consumption, particularly among young consumers who are reducing alcohol intake for health and wellness reasons. In response, wine producers increasingly focus on no- and low-alcohol (NOLO) wines. However, removing alcohol alters wine’s sensory qualities, requiring modifications to
BUILDING AWARENESS AND INSPIRING CHANGE
Since its inception, Aware.org has become important in driving positive change in South Africa’s approach to alcohol awareness and responsible consumption. With its strong foundation and strategic partnerships, Aware.org is well-positioned to make even greater strides in shaping a safer, healthier, and more responsible future for South Africa. Aware.org’s approach
CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE STATE OF AGRICULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA
At the recent AgriSA Green Horizons Congress, AgriSA commemorated 120 years of South African agricultural leadership and, concurrently, 30 years of democracy, development and growth in agriculture. “This year’s congress represents a significant opportunity to reflect on the ability to invest in the food economy and agriculture’s role in sustaining
PINOTAGE’S FUTURE IS BRIGHT
In only three decades, Beyerskloof has established itself as one of the places to taste South Africa’s heritage varietal, Pinotage. Since 2006, Anri Truter has taken the reins as winemaker, building on his father’s legacy (Beyers Truter) while forging new paths for the estate. With a focus on innovation both
ENGAGING CONSUMERS IN THE MODERN WINE MARKET: DIGITAL RELATIONSHIPS POST-PANDEMIC
The wine market is experiencing substantial evolution as consumers increasingly engage with brands through digital avenues. Over the last few years, especially following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, wine purchasing and engagement behaviours have transformed. We can explore how consumers interact with wine brands today and the roles
NINE LESSONS FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
At the recent AgriSA Green Horizons Congress, held on 10 October at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Prof. Nick Vink, Professor Emeritus from Stellenbosch University, provided an insightful analysis of the main influences shaping South African agriculture over the past 120 years. His address highlighted the sector’s evolution, influenced
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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.
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
FACTORS INFLUENCING KNOWLEDGE UPTAKE BY PRACTITIONERS: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KNOWLEDGE
Various factors influence whether practitioners such as grape producers, viticulturists and winemakers will acquire new information. The previous two blogs discussed the influence of practitioners’ individual characteristics and the knowledge source’s characteristics. This blog discusses the characteristics of the knowledge itself and how it can influence knowledge uptake. The
confronting climate change (ccc) benchmark report 2023
CCC Benchmark Report 2023 The 2023 Confronting Climate Change (CCC) industry benchmark process builds on 2021 – 2022 datasets and provides a meaningful platform for the South African fruit and wine industries to improve their understanding of the use of fossil fuel-based resources and to reduce emissions over time. The
FACTORS INFLUENCING KNOWLEDGE UPTAKE BY PRACTITIONERS: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KNOWLEDGE SOURCE
Many factors can influence practitioner knowledge uptake and utilisation. The first blog in the series dealt with the individual characteristics of practitioners. This second blog discusses the characteristics of the knowledge source and how it influences knowledge uptake. The two most important factors are the credibility of the knowledge provider
Factors influencing knowledge uptake by practitioners: Individual characteristics
Introduction This blog is the first in a series of four blogs that delve into the factors determining whether practitioners (e.g. producers, viticulturists and winemakers) will engage with new information presented to them. ‘New information’ in this context refers to anything new to you. It is your first time hearing
Settling before red wine fermentation
Results from a study presented by Encarna Gómez-Plaza at Enoforum Web Scientists Conference 2023 revealed that settling red juice and adding the grape skins/marc back to conduct the fermentation can increase the colour and tannin content of the final wine significantly. In fact, the anthocyanin and tannin concentrations were not
Shiraz Technical Seminar 2022
The annual Shiraz technical workshop is one of the most important events for any producer of Shiraz. Apart from local and international speakers addressing a broad spectrum of viticultural and oenological aspects of Shiraz production, the tastings also cover exciting elements such as clones, terroir and international wines. The Shiraz
