South African wine sector looks to a steady 2026 harvest as skills pipeline grows
Strong weather conditions and training efforts point to stability in vineyards and people across the wine value chain.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s wine industry heads into the 2026 harvest season with a steady outlook, supported by favourable weather patterns and continued investment in skills development that aims to strengthen the sector over the long term.
South Africa Wine, which represents wine and brandy producers, reports that early estimates from private growers and producer cellars suggest a stable harvest, with a chance of a slight increase compared to 2025. The organisation says growers have benefited from two seasons without major climate shocks.
“South Africa’s wine industry enters the 2026 harvest season with cautious optimism, as the first official crop estimate from private and producer cellar growers points to another stable, potentially slightly larger harvest compared to last year,” the body said.
Weather supports vineyard performance
According to South Africa Wine, vineyards avoided frost and flooding for the second year in a row. This stability helped growers maintain momentum from the 2025 season. The national vineyard area now stands at 86,544 hectares as producers replace low yielding blocks with more efficient plantings.
Chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa Wandile Sihlobo links these developments to broader agricultural trends. He says weather conditions continue to support output across crops.
“These early production insights support our view that the 2025 agricultural growth will likely continue into 2026, benefiting from favourable weather conditions,” Sihlobo wrote.
Wine production remains concentrated in the Western Cape, which relies on winter rainfall, with some activity in parts of the Northern Cape. In northern regions, ongoing summer rains have supported farming activity despite slowing some field work.
Sihlobo says La Niña conditions should continue to support crops, fruit, vegetables and grazing land, setting the base for wider recovery in agriculture during 2026.
Building the next generation of winemakers
Alongside production gains, the industry continues to invest in people. Stellenbosch University recently hosted its Viticulture and Oenology Winter School Programme for 22 Grade 11 girls from several provinces. The three day programme introduced learners to grape growing and winemaking through farm visits and practical sessions.
One participant, Kgalalelo Modiakgotla from the SciMathUS programme, said the experience opened new doors. “The programme was not only fun, but also educational. I have learnt so much about growing grapes in vineyards and the process of winemaking, which I found very interesting.”
Michelle Makwela, a learner from Wem Combined School, shared a similar view. “Spending time learning in the vineyards and wine cellars was eye opening. I appreciate the opportunity; it was indeed a privilege to be part of the winter school programme.”
Prof Maret du Toit from Stellenbosch University said the aim focused on exposure and career awareness. “The aim of this programme was to ignite their passion for the grape and wine sciences and allow them to see the diverse career opportunities in studying towards this degree,” she said.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development also backed the initiative. “There is a demand for young women to bridge the gap in the wine industry,” said departmental representative Votelwa Ndana.
Together, steady harvest expectations and skills development efforts signal a sector focused on stability and long term growth.
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