Wine growing is a fundamental economic factor for South Africa and is becoming increasingly important. Unfortunately, it was long characterised by the use of slaves and stood for exploitation under apartheid. Farmers subsidised the construction of regional prisons and in return were able to use the inmates as cheap labour on the farms. Unfortunately, the poor working conditions and low wages of the workers are still criticised to this day. Those affected by such conditions are mostly the employees of the large wineries. We ourselves, KAPVINUM Wine & Olive Oil from South Africa, were fortunately able to get to know other, very good and family-run wineries. These include some small wine farms and boutique wineries, which we were able to see for ourselves on site. We also maintain close and recurring contact with these exclusive wineries. Some examples of great boutique wineries:
The term "wine estate" is often used. This designation also guarantees that the wine was grown and produced on a registered vineyard. This is generally a sign of quality, for example:
It was only after apartheid at the end of the 1980s that South African wines began to be exported to Central Europe, as South Africa had previously been subject to trade restrictions due to apartheid policies.
Quality wine policy in South Africa
In 1973, a quality wine system was introduced and established: the "Wine of Origin (WO) system". In this system, a clear link for quality was established between the location of the vineyards and the winemakers. The winegrowers are responsible for the choice of grape variety, viticultural techniques and work in the vineyard. The Wine of Origin regulations therefore intervene in these parameters and the seal on the top of the wine bottle guarantees the information on the origin and grape varieties. The Wine and Spirit Board is responsible for certifying the various South African wines.
Wine exports from South Africa to Central Europe
Valid current export figures are only known up to 2013. Every year, 1,157 million litres of wine are produced in South Africa, of which 517 million litres are exported. Estimates have shown that South Africa can employ around 275,000 people in the wine sector.
The vineyards and growing areas are located in the Western Cape province, in the south of the country. They are located no more than 50 kilometres from the coast and lie between 31 and 34 degrees south latitude. In the coastal regions, the wine estates and winegrowers benefit from the cool effect of the Benguela Current, the cool ocean current that comes from the Antarctic. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for producing quality wines.
Known and authorised South African grape varieties
The Pinotage grape variety was developed in 1952 and the first labelled wine was launched on the market in 1961. After the import restrictions were relaxed by apartheid in the 1980s, winegrowing in South Africa was also redefined. The well-known Chardonnay grape variety or red wine grapes modelled on Bordeaux wines could be planted. Some of the following grape varieties are authorised under the quality policy: