On 27 March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African government introduced its first ban on all sales of alcoholic beverages. According to Nick Pentz, owner of Groote Post, the business lost three months of sales to the public, retailers and restaurants. While grateful that exports could continue soon after the initial ban, the business was under no illusion that exports alone would ensure its sustainability. He points out that Groote Post’s overseas markets were also severely affected by COVID-19 and orders were therefore much smaller than usual.
The situation forced Groote Post to quickly devise plans to keep the effects of the ban to a minimum for the farm and its 70 employees.
“COVID-19 limited us, but it also forced us to be creative to overcome these limitations. We had to look at ways of turning this threat into an opportunity, and how we can operate in this new normal,” says Peter Pentz, communications manager at Groote Post.
The vineyards of Groote Post are all situated on the southern slopes of the Darling Hills, a few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean.
“The cooling effect of the ocean creates an ideal climate in which vines flourish, providing a longer growing season with greater development of flavours in the grapes,” explains Peter.
Wine production on Groote Post consists of 65% white wine and 35% red wine. To date, 115ha have been planted to cultivars like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Weisser Riesling, Semillon and Chenin Blanc.
Groote Post offers a portfolio of 14 wines of which about 80% are sold locally, while the rest are exported. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Shiraz are their leading wines.
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の June 18, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の June 18, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.