Feature Article
Happy 367th Birthday to South African Wine!
Wine has been around since 4000 BC and it’s not going away anytime soon!
Made in 53 countries, it is consumed by oenophiles worldwide. With over 240 million hectolitres (Visualcapitalist.com) made across the globe annually, is it any wonder why wine is such an interesting topic.
South Africa’s Wine Story:
Once upon a time on the 2nd February, 1659, Jan van Riebeeck recorded a diary entry, “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes” SAWineHarvest (2024).
This brings us to February 2026, when South Africa celebrates 367 years of wine making in South Africa.
According to Wesgro (2024), “South Africa is the only country in the world that can accurately pinpoint the exact date of origin of its wine industry.
South Africa Wine Stats:
South Africa’s 2022 wine and brandy ecosystem employs over 270 thousand people in the entire value chain.
(Wines of South Africa (WOSA) and South African Wine).
Over R50 billion contribution to GDP.
With all this data and information, be aware that you are a very important part of South Africa’s wine and brandy ecosystem. As a customer, consumer and wine tourist you add value.
Keep it up and thank you for your contributions. You are appreciated!
Cheers, Annie
