South Africa hails 2015 harvest

South Africa’s wine producers are expecting “beautiful” wines from the 2015 harvest which is also marginally smaller than last year.

The harvest began two weeks earlier than usual according to VinPro, a representative organisation for over 3,000 grape growers and cellars, and at 1.5 million tons is 1.1% smaller than last year which was a record harvest but also a more “stressful” growing season.

Francois Viljoen, manager of VinPro’s Consultation Service, said: “The 2015 harvest had the earliest start in decades. Warm weather in August resulted in earlier bud break, after which a warm, dry and windy summer kept vineyard growth under control and accelerated ripening by approximately two weeks.

“Save up, beautiful wines are on their way.”

The dry conditions led to excellent growing conditions and the crop was described as one of the healthiest in years with “almost no” disease or rot.

Some coastal regions were affected by water shortages due to the weather but it did not affect production substantially.

Some regions, more inland, managed record crops, Worcester harvesting the biggest crop in its history, while Robertson, Orange River, Olifants River and Breedekloof all managed crops close to their 2014 levels.

Siobhan Thompson, CEO, Wines of South Africa, said: “The wines from our 2015 harvest are set to cement South Africa’s position as the most exciting wine producer in the world.

“The wave of optimism around the quality of South African wines will only continue and we’re excited to be able to showcase this great vintage during our forthcoming trade show, Cape Wine, this September. Our winemakers are gearing up to show visitors from across the globe some of the best wines South Africa has ever produced.”