South Africa

Drinks Trade reports that South Australia has unveiled a A$109 million Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package as producers confront oversupply, falling grape prices and changing demand. A A$100 million loan scheme will help eligible growers convert unviable vineyards to other uses, while further funding covers vineyard diversification, surplus wine stocks, disposal of treated vineyard posts, export-market development and the appointment of a Wine Industry Coordinator.

Winemag.co.za reports in an opinion article by Melvyn Minnaar that South African wine lacks a proper, central archive, making its history harder to research and preserve. Minnaar highlights the Platter’s Wine Guide as an accidental record of more than 40 years of South African winemaking, warning that without organised preservation, vital details about producers, vineyards and industry development remain scattered.

Harpers reports that severe flooding has hit vineyards along South Africa’s Breede River, with Robertson Wine Valley producers including Springfield Estate, Bonnievale Wines, Bon Courage Estate and Van Loveren Family Vineyards reporting damage. Springfield said 90 of its 220 hectares were submerged by Monday evening, while Van Loveren reported two metres of water through its winery, damage to homes and equipment, and 1.3 million bottles of stock affected. Producers in the area are encouraging people to buy their wines to support rebuilding efforts.