When, in 1994, apartheid became just a part of South African history another winemaking country was, once again, able to "stand up and be counted". However, years of embargo had taken their toll and South African wines often embarrassed themselves, appearing as anachronistic, muddled and directionless wines that the modern wine drinker had left behind in a bygone age. Fast-forward a decade and only French, Australian and Italian wine is more popular in the UK and their industry is a showcase for Fairtrade and Black Economic Empowerment programs.
Initially somewhat shocked by how far the wine producing world travelled ahead of them, the South African wine industry and government invested heavily in wine, both in the areas of viticulture and in vinification. South Africa can now boast of state-of-the-art wineries, a hugely motivated workforce and some of the best educated winemakers in the industry. Who can tell where the next ten years will take this nation?
HarperWells currently work with Klein Constantia, Raats and Jack & Knox wineries.