The annual South African Wine Harvest Report forecasts that the 2022 vintage will impress consumers with its exceptional wine quality, despite yielding a smaller grape crop compared to 2021.
Cold temperatures led to a delay of 10 to 14 days in the harvest period. Conrad Schutte, the consultation manager for Vinpro, explained, “Cool-season and moderate weather conditions during harvest time slowed down ripening, enabling vines to develop captivating flavors and colors in this year’s wine grape crop.”
Several factors contributed to the reduced grape crop, including a decline in overall vineyard area due to vine uprooting, disease pressure from untimely rainfall around harvest, and isolated instances of sunburn due to heatwaves in specific regions.
Schutte noted, “South Africa’s wine industry encompasses diverse cultivation areas with varying climatic conditions that impact each region’s harvest differently.”
While most grape-growing regions experienced smaller yields, exceptions were observed in the Cape South Coast and Stellenbosch areas.
Anticipated wine production for 2022, including juice and concentrate for non-alcoholic purposes, as well as wine for brandy and distillation, is estimated to reach 1,072.4 million liters at an average recovery of 778 liters per ton of grapes.
Siobhan Thompson, CEO of Wines of South Africa (WoSA), stated, “Despite the slight challenges faced by our winemakers in 2022, we’ve already had the privilege of sampling some initial releases of white wines that exhibit superb quality and are likely to enhance the premium status of the category.”
Thompson acknowledged that the ongoing shipping constraints impacting exporters are a challenge but remains optimistic about overcoming them in due time.
South Africa ranks as the eighth-largest wine producer globally, contributing 4% of the world’s wine production. The wine sector significantly bolsters the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), contributing over R55 billion and offering employment to nearly 269,000 individuals across the value chain, with more than 80,000 working on farms and in cellars.
Region Summaries
- Breedekloof: The 2022 season, characterized by a prolonged and late growing period, featured extremes such as a cool season and a sudden February heat peak. The crop is projected to be slightly smaller than the record 2021 harvest.
- Cape South Coast: Despite challenges from fungal pressure and cool, wet summer weather, favorable water availability and ideal winter conditions are expected to result in a larger wine grape crop compared to 2021.
- Klein Karoo: Marked by a delayed harvest, the 2022 vintage in this region is anticipated to yield smaller quantities than 2021, yet producers remain optimistic about the quality.
- Northern Cape: Producers along the Orange River faced a tough season with high disease pressure due to excessive rainfall and flooding risks. Yields were notably lower, though expectations for a larger 2023 crop remain.
- Olifants River: Despite disease pressure, heatwaves, and uneven ripening, good management practices led to satisfactory yields for producers. The region’s wine grape crop was smaller than 2021.
- Paarl: A cooler season followed by a sudden temperature spike resulted in a smaller wine grape crop compared to the previous year. However, exceptional grape analyses and wine quality were achieved through good vineyard practices.
- Robertson: Though smaller than the 2021 record crop, the vintage still boasts above-average yield and quality. Despite numerous challenges, sufficient irrigation water was a fortunate advantage.
- Stellenbosch: Ideal winter conditions and even growth set the stage for an expectedly larger 2022 crop compared to 2021. The wine quality currently observed in cellars indicates another classic Stellenbosch vintage.
- Swartland: Harvest began later due to cool weather, followed by extreme heat during harvesting, impacting ripening and cellar capacity. Yields are lower than the previous year, but promising wines are anticipated.
- Worcester: The 2022 harvest commenced later due to a cool growing season. Although smaller than 2021, the crop is still above the region’s average. High-quality red wines are on the horizon for consumers.
