Following a challenging 2024 season characterised by many local challenges, wine producers are optimistic about the 2025 harvest, according to South Africa Wine.
Vinpro and SA Wine Industry Information and Systems NPC (SAWIS) said most wine regions have experienced above-average winter rainfall, with improved chill unit accumulation and minimal frost damage, leaving producers hopeful about the new season.
“The winter of 2024 brought record rainfall in many regions filling dam levels. The vines have also built reasonable carbohydrate reserves thanks to lower disease pressure and favourable growing conditions after the harvest. Growers generally pruned later to reduce frost damage risk, which, in combination with current spring conditions, ensured a more even bud break,” South Africa Wine said in a statement.
Role of improved weather conditions
“During the bunch initiation period of the previous growing season, atypical cool and wet conditions prevailed in the interior regions and warm and windy conditions in the coastal areas. These irregular weather patterns may have affected bunch initiation in 2024, which is vital to the size and quality of the crop of 2025,” the organisation added.
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They explained that although some vineyards were still recovering from flood damage and the effects of the declining national vineyard area and increase in average vineyard age play a role, a good-quality crop across all regions is expected in 2025.
“Important factors determining the final crop size are weather-related, including disease pressure and the impact of conditions, such as wind, during flowering and berry-set. When comparing current conditions to long-term trends, close attention should be paid to the cultivar spectrum, as some cultivars naturally produce lower yields.”
The head of Vinpro Consultation Services, Dr Etienne Terblanche, said the 2025 crop has the potential for recovery after a challenging 2024. This is due to favourable winter conditions and improved conditions for reserve build-up.
Building a sustainable wine industry
“Nevertheless, it is essential that producers use the tools available to adapt to weather patterns to ensure sustainable production,” Terblanche said.
Meanwhile, Rico Basson, the chief executive officer of South Africa Wine, said they are confident that the 2025 harvest will be of great quality across all ten wine regions and provide a much-needed boost to producers and the broader wine industry.
“A successful harvest strengthens our sector’s sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience. This aligns with our strategy to build a robust and competitive wine industry that continues to thrive locally and internationally, positioning South African wines as leaders on the global stage,” he said.
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