The South African table grape export industry is situated in mild Mediterranean and arid subtropical climates. More than 80% of table grape production in South Africa occurs in the
Western Cape re- gion
. Other produc- tion areas include the Northern Cape, East ern Cape, Lim- popo, Free State and Mpumalanga.
Where is the best place to grow grapes?
1. Select the best spot. Basically, you need a large, open, sunny space with good soil. Grapes need about 50 to 100 square feet per vine if
growing vertically on a trellis or arbor
and about 8 feet between rows if planting horizontally in rows, and seven to eight hours of direct sun each day.
How do grapes grow in South Africa?
Soak rootstocks in water for 24 hours before planting. Grapevines are usually
planted by the end of winter during July and August
. In areas where late frost occurs or when soil is very wet after the winter rains, it must be planted later.
Where are table grapes grown in South Africa?
Major production areas in South Africa
The Hex River Valley
is the country’s main table grape production area; more than half of all grape exports come from this district, which has the longest harvesting period in the country.
Which grapes are developed in SA?
Pinotage
is a grape variety that was created in South Africa in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University.
What month do you plant grapes?
Plant grapes in
early spring
, when you’ll find bare-root varieties available. As you plant, cut the existing root back to 6 inches; this will encourage feeder roots to grow near the trunk. The root system of a grapevine can grow deep, so well-cultivated soil is best.
How do you prepare soil for grapes?
Before planting grapevines, it is a good idea to amend the soil. To do this,
add a 2 inch layer of an organic soil conditioner over the top of the bed
and work it 10 inches into the ground.
What time of year is best to plant grapes?
- Grapevines are usually planted during the dormant season (January or February), when they are bare-root. …
- Dig a hole as wide and deep as the roots and spread the roots out in the hole.
Can you grow grapes in South Africa?
The South African table grape export industry is situated in mild Mediterranean and arid subtropical climates. More than 80% of table grape production in South Africa occurs in the
Western Cape re- gion
. Other produc- tion areas include the Northern Cape, East ern Cape, Lim- popo, Free State and Mpumalanga.
How do I start planting grapes?
- Soak the roots in water for 3-4 hours.
- At planting, remove all canes except the most vigorous one.
- Plant vines with the lowest bud on the cane just above the soil surface.
- Trim off any broken or excessively long roots.
- Dig a hole large enough to you can spread the root system out.
Does South Africa export grapes?
South African grapes are
exported to Africa
, South East Asia, China, Middle East, Indian Ocean Islands, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russian Federation, Canada and the USA. The bulk of South Africa’s grape exports still go to the important traditional markets in Europe and the UK.
What grape variety is unique to SA?
Pinotage
is a red wine grape that is South Africa’s signature variety. The grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage) and was created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold.
What are table grapes used for?
Table grapes are grapes intended for
consumption while fresh
, as opposed to grapes grown for wine production, juice production, or for drying into raisins.
Does South Africa have good wine?
South African wines offer impressively good value
, and feature styles and tastes that are food friendly, blending elegance and power. … At one time, the sweet wine of Constantia was the most prized in the world. The most important South African wine regions are around the two cities of Stellenbosch and Paarl.
What is the most popular wine in South Africa?
- Malbec 2015. Mt Vernon. …
- Syrah 2018. Glen Carlou. …
- Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Bartinney. …
- Southern Point Shiraz-Merlot 2019. International Procurement and Logistics. …
- Royal Nymphomane 2015. La Vierge. …
- The Best Shiraz 2019. Morrisons. …
- Chocoholic Pinotage 2018. Darling Cellars. …
- Syrah 2018. La Motte.
Who brought grapes to South Africa?
South Africa might be considered a new world wine region, but its winemaking history dates back some 300 years. South Africa’s first vines were planted in 1652 by
Dutch surgeon, Jan van Riebeeck
, when the Dutch East India Company first landed in Cape Town.
