The Wine industry is playing a significant role to the South African economy. About one billion litres of wine are being produced annually and this figure is increasing. This industry has created 300,000 or more job opportunities. More than 3,000 types of wine grapes are being pressed in the Western Cape. A lot of wine farms produce wines of exceptional quality at very reasonable prices.

In 2005 there were 4,406 primary producers, 561 wine cellars, 477 private cellars, 66 co-operatives and 18 producing wholesalers. 48% of cellars crush fewer than 100 tons each. In terms of world wine production, South Africa currently ranks as 8th in volume production of wine and produces 3.1% of the worlds wine. Wine industry has potential investment opportunities. This potential has also caught the eye of many foreign winemakers and investors such as Bordeaux's Lafite Rothschild, Cos d'Estournel and Angélus. "Diversity in wine" - that's the new angle behind promoting the South Africa brands in the international market, with the answer lying in small producers developing unique identities. Cited: Percytours, 2010.

This industry is driven by strong spirit of entrepreneurship and ideas for renewal and innovation. Wine cooperatives are increasingly converting into companies, and establishing marketing and export campaigns. If you need more information, check the following links:

• Percytours
• Capegateway
• SouthAfrica-travel
• Vineyardvarieties
• Wikipedia
• Professorshouse

Updated: 19 April 2010

by Zanele Matshotyana