Industry body South Africa Wine says the 2025 wine grape harvest has been characterised by exceptional fruit quality, owing to sustained mild and dry conditions that delivered grapes of superb balance, flavour concentration and structure – the hallmarks of premium wine production.

According to the latest harvest estimate by industry body SA Wine Industry Information and Systems, the 2025 grape harvest yielded 1.24-million tonnes from 86 544 ha.

Fellow industry body Vinpro consultation service manager Dr Etienne Terblanche points out that the season offered near-ideal ripening conditions in coastal and inland regions, allowing for steady ripening and balanced fruit development.

“Cooler temperatures during ripening helped preserve acidity and enhanced the development of colour and flavour compounds, particularly in cultivars such as Pinotage, Shiraz and Chardonnay. These are wines we can be proud of.”

Moderate weather during flowering and berry development promoted even fruit set. Despite isolated challenges such as brief heat peaks in December and January, vineyards displayed vigorous growth with relatively low disease pressure.

While production remains below long-term averages owing to a shrinking vineyard footprint, this year’s quality vintage aligns with the industry’s focus on driving premiumisation.

“This harvest underscores the resilience and commitment of our growers and winemakers to elevate South African wine to greater heights,” adds South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson.

“What matters most is not only the quality in the glass, but also the value created through a focused sales and marketing opportunity across more than 120 markets globally. A premium harvest like this strengthens our position as a vital contributor to the national economy,” Basson states.

On the global front, the vintage arrives at an opportune time as demand for premium, sustainably produced wines continues to rise.

“The 2025 vintage presents us with a compelling story to take to international markets,” explains Wines of South Africa CEO Siobhan Thompson. She notes that buyers and consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, quality and provenance, with South Africa delivering on all three.

“This vintage gives us the tools to showcase that to our global markets confidently.”

The 2025 season also marks the centenary celebration of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature grape, making this harvest even more meaningful for the local wine community and export markets.

Despite varying volumes, all wine-growing regions reported above-average to exceptional quality harvests, with unique regional expressions shining through.

Pinotage and Chenin Blanc from the Breedekloof region produced flavour-packed wines with structure and elegance, while cool and stable weather in the Cape South Coast helped to produce balanced acids and nuanced flavours for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties.

In the Klein Karoo, producers achieved excellent flavour development in Muscat and other cultivators traditionally used for fortified wines, despite impacts of hail in the growing season. Minimal disease pressure in this region also allowed growers to pick grapes at optimal ripeness.

Despite conservative yields in Chenin Blanc in the Olifants River region, the region saw excellent colour development and pH balance in red cultivars such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the Northern Cape, South Africa Wine says early and efficient irrigation management supported solid fruit quality. The region reported healthy grapes and good balance in Colombar and Chenin Blanc.

In the Paarl region, red varieties, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, displayed intense colour and tannin ripeness, with balanced yields contributing to premium wine potential.

Moreover, the Robertson region benefited from ideal ripening conditions and moderate temperatures, resulting in fresh, fruit-driven whites and well-structured reds, particularly in Shiraz and Chardonnay.

South Africa Wine points out that Stellenbosch experienced a flagship season for premium red wines, with sufficient hang time having resulted in deeply coloured and structured wines, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties.

Dryland vineyards in Swartland produced concentrated fruit, especially Chenin Blanc and Shiraz. The region’s signature bush vines thrived in the dry conditions, benefiting from significant day-night temperature shifts, resulting in high-quality wines.

Lastly, South Africa Wine says the Worcester region experienced isolated warm periods with well-managed water resources, which led to good fruit quality in Colombar and Sauvignon Blanc cultivars, while red cultivars such as Pinotage also showed promising colour and mouthfeel.