South Africa’s wine sector is heading for a sparkling 2026, according to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo.
Sihlobo said that while the country yielded a cop harvest of about 1.2 million tons in 2025, reports from SA Wines and Vinpro indicate that a significant increase awaits the sector this year.
He said that the positive outlook can be attributed to the favourable weather conditions over the Western and Northern Cape during the production season.
He added that the quality of grapes has also improved.
“I think then 2026 with this wine and perhaps maybe better fruit harvest we will possibly see improvement this time around these are all things that mean that in the export revenue side it will be better.”
Sihlobo said that the excellent rains brought by the La Nina weather pattern has not only contributed to improved performance within the agricultural sector but better prices for consumers.
“These excellent rains of La Nina, they inconvenience, a lot of people but they are good for agriculture.”
Dining and Cooking