21st Century
From 1996 to 2005, the number of wineries more than doubled. Most of the growth is in small, sitedriven properties. Though the majority of production is still by co-ops, it is no longer predominantly grapes for table use and wine for distillation. The percentage of grapes made into wine for consumption by the public rose from 30% in 1990 to 70% in 2003. Winegrape vineyard planting and replanting is extensive. Virus-free rootstock now available is replacing unhealthy vines that have been torn out. Better and more varied clones, better matching of location to varietal, improved vineyard practices and newly-explored planting areas are also advancing this renaissance. The percentage of red grapes to white increased from 29% to 44% from 1999 to 2009. Overall, as of 2009, more than half of all red grapevines are under 10 years old.
Wines of South Africa (WOSA), a non-profit, non-governmental organization, was established in 1999 to build the image and demand for South African wine. It represents all exporting producers, participates in international wine events, and promotes wine tourism to South Africa. It is funded by a per-liter levy on exported wine. Its Cape Wine exposition in Cape Town, first held in 2000, has brought buyers, importers, and journalists from around the world. The wine industry is involved with many programs based on social and environmental responsibility. The government-instituted Black Economic Empowerment initiative was started in 1997 to address the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunity in South Africa. Ten years later, the South African Wine Council drafted a charter to outline goals and strategy for participation by wineries. The Integrated Production of Wine program, established in 1998, consists of voluntary, self-regulated guidelines ensuring environmentally sustainable vineyard and cellar practices. Over 90% of exporting producers adhere to this system.
The Wine and Agricultural Industry Ethical Trade Association codifies employment practices. Begun in 2002 as a wine industry organization, it has expanded to the broader agricultural sector. 2004’s Biodiversity in Wine Initiative has already resulted in a total of land under conservancy by winegrowers that is greater than the vineyard total. Land vegetation of the world is divided into six floral kingdoms, South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom being the smallest, the most diverse, and the only one contained in one country. It is comprised of eight protected areas covering well over a million acres, and was declared by UNESCO in 2004 to be a World Heritage Site, of “outstanding universal significance
to humanity.” As it covers the Mediterranean climate regions of the country, much of it lies in winegrowing areas.
The Fair Trade movement, started in the 1940s, now works globally against poverty and exploitation. Involvement with wine is new, beginning in 2008 with Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Because of the legacy of apartheid, South Africa’s Fair Trade guidelines are tied in with economic empowerment programs for previously disadvantaged workers.
As of 2010, an alliance between the Wine and Spirit Board, the Integrated Production of Wine program, the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative and Wines of South Africa has been created. Called Sustainable Wine South Africa, it will certify sustainable production of wine, and enable traceability to vineyards and their growing practices. There is strong momentum in South Africa for fine wine. Many small producers are thoughtfully crafting wines from still-young vineyards on carefully chosen sites. They are re-educating themselves about how to get the best from older vineyards and warmer locations.
New growing areas are being established along the western and southern coastline, well beyond the central area that includes Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. There are associations to advance and promote individual varieties including Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Italian, Spanish and Portuguese grapes are also being explored. Rhone-style blends, red and white, are becoming popular, as are blends of classic Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon based for the reds, Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon for the whites. An emerging category based on Chenin Blanc combined with white Rhone varieties, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is creating some of the most exciting wines in the country. South African wines offer a bridge between the all-too polarized styles familiar to wine drinkers today. These wines have improved exponentially since democracy was established in 1994. They have joined the modern international wine community, delivering high quality at reasonable prices, with true greatness just around the corner. |
