South Africa: An Overview of the South African Wine Industry

Wine grape production in 2025 is forecast to improve by five percent on favorable winter conditions, which will translate into a slight increase in wine production. Area planted to wine grapes is on a downward trend and, in 2025, is forecast to be at its lowest since 1997 as growers continue to face cash flow constraints. Reduced area coupled with adverse weather led to the lowest production in 2024 since 2002. Despite an estimated decrease in wine production in 2024, berry sizes were smaller and highly concentrated and resulted in improved wine quality. South Africa exports mostly white wine to the United States - which enters duty free under AGOA. Wine imports from the United States are minimal, accounting for only 0.3 percent and are subject to a 25 percent import tariff.