Nonprofit organisation South Africa Wine says wine producers in the country are optimistic about the 2025 harvest, as most wine regions have experienced above-average winter rainfall, with improved chill unit accumulation and minimal frost damage.

This is according to harvest predictions compiled by industry bodies Vinpro and the SA Wine Industry Information and Systems and follows a challenging 2024 season characterised by extreme weather conditions such as floods, frost and strong winds.

South Africa Wine notes that this past winter had brought record rainfall in many regions of the country, filling dam levels.

The vines have also built reasonable carbohydrate reserves thanks to lower disease pressure and favourable growing conditions after the harvest and growers generally pruned later to reduce frost damage risk, which, in combination with current spring conditions, ensured a more even bud break, it points out.

Although some vineyards are 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 for 2025.

“The 2025 crop has potential for recovery after a challenging 2024, thanks to favourable winter conditions and improved conditions for reserve build-up. Nevertheless, it is essential that producers use the tools available to adapt to weather patterns to ensure sustainable production,” says Vinpro consultation services head Dr Etienne Terblanche.

“We are confident that the 2025 harvest will be of great quality across all ten wine regions and provide a much-needed boost to our 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,” adds South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson.