CEO of Sati, the SA Table Grape Industry, Willem Bestbier, says the national harvest is at 44%. He says even though rainfall during harvest can impact grape quality, producers have innovated to prevent this.

“Heavy rains the week before or the week of packing can be problematic. However, you must bear in mind that in regions where summer rain does occur, namely the northern provinces or the Orange River region, a lot of our grapes are produced under plastic.

“The rain is on the whole more welcome than not. We have modified, adapted and started using technology to counter rainfall problems.”

He says they are also extremely positive about the harvest from the Hex River and Berg River regions, which have enjoyed warm and dry conditions favourable for good quality grape production.

Bestbier says they expect to return to a normal harvest size this season, which will be about 5% to 8% higher than the previous season.

- OFM News