SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
The South African wine industry has recently achieved two significant milestones on the international stage, showcasing the country’s growing influence and expertise in the global wine sector. In a historic moment, Yvette van der Merwe, Executive Manager of South Africa Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS), has been appointed President
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF WINEMAKING: Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme
At South Africa Wine, we recognise that the future of our industry is as much about people as it is about producing excellent wine. Our involvement in the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Protégé Programme reflects this belief as we invest significantly in young winemakers’ growth and career development. In 2024,
CHESTER CAPTURES HEARTS WITH HIS VOICE AT AGRI’S GOT TALENT FINAL
Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” filled the air at Dawn Mountains, Simondium, as Chester Fisch claimed victory at Agri’s Got Talent 2024 (AGT) on October 11th. Chester’s performance, complete with powerful vocals, dance moves, and undeniable charisma, captured the hearts of the audience and judges alike, making
New study to revolutionise grapevine leafroll identification using artificial intelligence
Stellenbosch University researchers are harnessing artificial intelligence to streamline the identification of grapevine leafroll disease, a significant threat to South Africa’s wine industry. A groundbreaking research project led by Prof Lizel Mostert at the Department of Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University, is set to change how vineyard managers and workers identify
Fermentation temperature and sustainable winemaking
Over the years, winemakers have adopted a variety of commercially available microorganisms to control different aspects of fermentation. This has allowed for more consistent and manageable results, but as the wine industry evolves, new challenges and opportunities emerge. Today, consumer demand for sustainability is pushing winemakers to find ways to
A potentially different approach to combat grapevine viral diseases
RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that helps plants and other organisms defend against viruses. It is activated when the plant detects double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from the virus. Scientists can also create synthetic dsRNA and apply it to plants, where it enters the plant’s system and triggers this defence
CULTIVATING DIVERSITY IN A GLASS: VUSI DALICUBA’S JOURNEY
Vusi Dalicuba is adding new award-winning wine notes as a young, black winemaker in South Africa, claiming the VinLog Merlot Trophy at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards for his 2022 Vergenoegd Löw Amalie Merlot. Vusi’s journey from a curious youth in Kayamandi, stealing grapes from neighbouring vineyards,
IN TRIBUTE: REST PEACEFULLY MAPASEKA (MAPS) LITABE
The South African wine industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest lights, Mapaseka “Maps” Litabe. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of many. Still, her legacy as a social influencer, a passionate advocate for wine, and a force for transformation and inclusivity in the industry
SADC-EU ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP: A BOOST FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S WINE INDUSTRY
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the European Union (EU), which was first implemented in 2016, continues to offer significant advantages to South Africa’s wine industry. By reducing tariffs and improving access to the EU market, the EPA has enabled South Africa to
ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN SA & EU
What is the history of the Economic Partnership Agreement between South Africa and the EU? The European Union (EU) and South Africa have a trade agreement relating to wine and spirits that forms part of a broader trade relationship between the two regions. The Agreement on Trade, Development and Cooperation
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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
