There is no doubt about it. South African wines have been too cheap for too long. Therefore, it was uplifting to read the report on South African wine exports 2018 from WoSA (Wines of South Africa). The export value is finally increasing, after many years of immobility. WoSA has struggled to make this happen for a long time. As an example, the value of exports to Sweden in 2018 increased by 10%.
We hope that the trend will continue so that everyone involved in the South African wine industry can get paid decently for their jobs. In total, the export value of bottled wine increased by 3% and of bulk wine by 7%.
Britain is the largest export market for South Africa. Germany is second, followed by the Netherlands.
Syrah wines are the most exported red wines and Chenin Blanc the most exported whites. Chenin blanc is the most planted grape in South Africa with 19,000 hectares. Syrah is in fourth place with 11,000 hectares after Colombard with 13,000 hectares and Cabernet Sauvignon with 12,000 hectares.
Read more: wosa.
Travel: The best way to help South Africa improve conditions for agricultural workers (and other poor) is to buy their wines, and of course to go to South Africa on a wine tour. Each foreign tourist that comes creates one year’s full employment for one South African.
