Vinimark Insights

This is where we share insights and opinions of wine producers, brand owners, members of the trade and industry experts so we can collectively navigate the future and lead our industry to success.

Are drought-tinged vintages truly better?

Whether one is a wine drinker or not, we know, when it comes to farming, drought is a bad thing. On the other hand, wine lovers may be aware that vines cope and can do well in marginal environments, where other plants would not flourish. (Picture: Callie Louw, custodian, farmer and winemaker at Porseleinberg)

Jun 15, 2021

What old vines can teach us about the future of wine

“Whenever I stand in an old vineyard, I get quite emotional – I feel so small, because these vineyards have been around for so long – some for 120 or 130 years. I look at them and ask: why did they survive?” These poignant words by Rosa Kruger, founder of the Old Vine Project (OVP) perfectly capture the immense reverence, respect and awe she holds for South Africa’s 3 693 hectares of gnarled and knotted old vines.

May 19, 2021

Natural wine: passing fad or necessary return to healthier roots?

Chaired by wine journalist and creator of HanDrinksSolo, Jono Le Feuvre, the panel included Christina Rasmussen, co-founder and head of content at LITTLEWINE; David Clarke, founder of Ex Animo Wine Distributors; Jamie Goode, scientist, author and wine journalist; Johan Reyneke, cellar owner & viticulturist at Reyneke Wines; and Rudiger Gretschel, head of production for Vinimark.

Apr 06, 2021

Low/No-Alcohol Wine: So much more than grape juice

Following several months of on-again-off-again bans on the sale and distribution of alcohol, due to coronavirus lockdown measures, many South African wine-lovers have found themselves having no choice but to explore alcohol-free, de-alcoholised and non-alcoholic alternatives to their favourite tipple.

Feb 16, 2021

Women in Wine: Change is a Process

Josh Billings once said, "What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we do know for sure that just ain't so.” In a robust panel discussion during Vinimark’s recent Women in Wine webinar, hosted by wine journalist and creator of the HanDrinksSolo community, Jono Le Feuvre, an international panel of women began exploring a series of assumptions and attitudes in the realms of gender equality, and women working in wine.

Oct 21, 2020