Wine producers in South Africa have been through some tough times but now things are at least getting a bit better. During five weeks of lockdown, they have not been allowed to sell their wines locally (all alcohol sales are prohibited) or to export.
Today, on May 1, the government will remove some restrictions. The country goes from level 5 to level 4. For the wine industry, this means that producers can again export their wines. Transport of wine is again permitted. Wineries can transport their bottles to ports and to airports for export out into the world. They can also export by road to neighbouring countries.
Maja Berthas, representative of Wines of South Africa (WOSA) in Sweden is relieved.
“I hope the industry will get back on its feet as soon as possible. A production and export ban has of course very serious consequences, both financially and socially for the Western Cape Province.”
Tariro Masayiti, winemaker at Springfontein Wine Estate in Stanford, Walker Bay, is happy but says that still some things need to be clarified:
“We couldn’t be happier with the good news but at the same time we still need clarity if support services like printing of labels, labeling, etc. are also permitted. We can only assume that export certification systems at the Department of Agriculture will be running, otherwise no wine can leave the country.”
He also says that not allowing sales of wine on the local market under controlled conditions is hurting businesses and livelihoods in the wine industry and the value chain. “We can only hope that the government continues to review this ban of local sales and make the right call sooner, rather than later. On a happier note, our overseas clients can look forward to some very special wines coming out of the cellar and heading their way.”
Read more: wosa
Travel to South Africa: join us on our wine tour to South Africa in March 2021.
You can see plenty of pictures and videos on our South Africa wine tour Facebook group.
