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Rovic se LORA Besproeiingstelsels: Beheer jou water, waar jy ook al is

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Rovic se LORA Besproeiingstelsels: Beheer jou water, waar jy ook al is

Rovic, ‘n vooraanstaande vervaardiger van landboumasjinerie in Suid-Afrika, het ‘n reputasie opgebou vir die verskaffing van topgehalte landboutoerusting en implemente aan boere regoor die land.

In hul strewe om die landbou-industrie met innoverende oplossings te bedien, staan Rovic ook uit as die invoerders en verspreiders van SOLEM Besproeiingsbeheerprodukte in Afrika. Die SOLEM reeks maak gebruik van gevorderde LORA-tegnologie om 9 Volt bepsroeiingkrane oor ‘n lang afstand sonder die beslommernis van lang afstand koperdrade te beheer.

Die kern van SOLEM se produkreeks is die 9-volt beheerstelsels, wat ontwerp is om tussen een en ses krane te kan programmeer. Hierdie stelsels is toegerus met verskeie sensormeters wat outomaties aanpas by ‘n reeks omgewings omstandighede, soos temperatuur, reënval, windspoed, humiditeit, grondvog, en selfs die watervlakke in reservoirs. Hierdie aanpasbaarheid verseker dat jou besproeiingstelsel outomaties en doeltreffend op die natuurlike omgewing reageer.

SOLEM se produkte sluit ook vloeimeterlesings in, wat outomatisering en doeltreffendheid toevoeg deur presies te monitor hoeveel water gebruik word. Daarby waarsku die drukmeters jou onmiddellik as die druk van jou besproeiingstelsel buite voorafbepaalde grense val, wat jou in staat stel om proaktief op sulke kwessies te reageer.

Vir daaglikse gebruiksgemak, kan SOLEM se 9-volt kontroleerders deur Bluetooth-tegnologie op kort afstande gemonitor en beheer word. Die ware uitblinker is egter SOLEM se toepassing van LORA-tegnologie, wat draadlose kommunikasie oor afstande tot 800 meter met ‘n basisstasie moontlik maak, sonder enige fisiese verbindings. Hierdie basisstasie kan dan via Wi-Fi of 3G/4G aan die internet gekoppel word, wat gebruikers die buitengewone gerief bied om hul besproeiingstelsels vanaf enige plek in die wêreld, solank hulle internettoegang het, te monitor en te bestuur.

Die beheer van SOLEM se LORA-produkte geskied moeiteloos deur die MySOLEM-toep op jou slimfoon, wat jou onmiddellike toegang en beheer bied, waar jy ook al is. Vir diegene wat op soek is na ‘n meer diepgaande beheer en inligting, bied die MySOLEM-platform op jou rekenaar ‘n uitgebreide uitsig en beheer oor jou besproeiingstelsel, weereens toeganklik vanaf enige plek in die wêreld met ‘n internetverbinding.

SOLEM se benadering tot besproeiingsbeheer her-definieer die manier waarop ons dink oor landbou- en tuinbouwaterbestuur, met ‘n klem op gemak, doeltreffendheid en tegnologiese vooruitgang.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.rovic.com

Navigating Tomorrow: How Local Agriculture is Meeting Global Challenges

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Navigating Tomorrow: How Local Agriculture is Meeting Global Challenges

South Africa’s agricultural sector is at a pivotal moment. Facing a complex web of challenges from volatile global markets to the relentless march of climate change, the industry is not just surviving—it’s adapting. The key to our resilience lies in a mix of strategic thinking, technological innovation, and a renewed focus on collaboration.

The Global Trade Tightrope: Diversifying to Survive

New tariffs and shifting international trade policies have created significant uncertainty. With major markets like the U.S. implementing new trade barriers, the conversation among farmers, exporters, and government bodies is dominated by one word: diversification. South Africa is actively pursuing new export agreements with countries in Asia and the Middle East. The successful opening of markets for our avocados in China and citrus in Vietnam are testament to this proactive approach. The industry is also advocating for improved trade logistics and a stronger collective front to navigate complex global politics.

The Thirsty Land: Water and Climate Resilience

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality. The agricultural community is constantly talking about how to manage increasing drought and water scarcity.

A recent study highlighted the critical link between water quality and food safety, putting pressure on the entire supply chain. Farmers are embracing cutting-edge water management technologies. From satellite-guided irrigation systems to soil moisture sensors, technology is being used to drastically improve efficiency. There’s also a growing adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, which focus on improving soil health to increase its water-holding capacity and build long-term resilience.

Fixing the Foundation: Tackling Infrastructure

For South African agriculture, getting a high-quality product from the farm gate to the dinner plate is a massive logistical challenge. The state of our rural roads and the severe congestion at major ports like Cape Town and Durban are a constant source of frustration and a major cost to the industry. While large-scale government-led infrastructure projects are slow, the private sector is stepping up. We’re seeing more farmer associations and agribusinesses pooling resources to repair critical roads. The focus is also on adopting digital logistics platforms to optimize transport routes, reducing post-harvest losses and speeding up delivery times.

The Smart Farm: Embracing Tech from the Ground Up

From the largest commercial farms to small-scale growers, the conversation around technology is louder than ever. Precision farming, data analytics, and automation are no longer future concepts—they are essential tools for a competitive advantage. The industry is moving beyond simply buying new machinery. There is a strong push to make technology more accessible and affordable, especially for small and emerging farmers. Agri-tech start-ups are creating solutions for shared logistics, on-demand machinery, and real-time market access, empowering a new generation of growers.

Biosecurity and Resilience: A Unified Front

The ongoing battle with Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a stark reminder of the importance of biosecurity. New outbreaks, even if quickly contained, cause significant disruption and damage our international reputation. The focus is on a comprehensive, unified biosecurity strategy.

This includes a more robust and efficient vaccine rollout, stricter movement controls, and greater collaboration between government and industry bodies. We are also seeing new technologies, such as blockchain, being used to improve traceability and build consumer confidence both locally and abroad.

Ultimately, the challenges we face are significant, but so is our capacity to innovate. By embracing new technologies, diversifying our markets, and working together to solve our shared infrastructure and biosecurity issues, South African agriculture is well-positioned to not only survive the present, but to thrive in the future.

Biosekuriteit: Die Voorste Linie teen Bek-en-klouseer

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Biosekuriteit: Die Voorste Linie teen Bek-en-klouseer

Die jongste uitbrekings van bek-en-klouseer (BKS) is ’n harde herinnering aan hoe kritiek biosekuriteit is. Volgens veearts dr. Shaun Morris (BSc Vet. Sci., Hons Prod. Animal Med., MSc Agric.) is die siekte in sommige streke tans “buite beheer”, met onwettige dierebewegings wat ’n groot rol speel. Só ernstig is die situasie dat ’n enkele besmette dier ’n hele streek in gevaar kan stel.

Beeste, bokke en elande is die bekendste draers, maar die FMD-virus kom ook voor in seekoeie, olifante, renosters en selfs knaagdiere – dikwels sonder sigbare simptome.

Hierdie onopgemerkte verspreiding maak die siekte besonder moeilik om op te spoor en te beheer. In 2022 het ’n groot uitbraak daartoe gelei dat meer as 200 000 beeste onder kwarantyn geplaas is – ’n duur les oor die erns van die probleem.

Plaasvlak Maatreëls

Die boodskap aan boere is duidelik: wag nie op die staat nie, doen self jou deel. ’n Kernstap is die 28-dae isolasieperiode vir alle nuwe diere, soos aanbeveel deur die Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie. Hierdie tydperk laat veeartse toe om te toets en seker te maak die diere is vry van infeksie voordat hulle by die kudde aansluit.

Boere word ook aangemoedig om onwettige dierebewegings te keer en streng toegang tot plase te beheer, aangesien die virus maklik deur skoene, voertuie en toerusting versprei kan word. Volgens dr. Morris bly streng interne maatreëls die doeltreffendste manier om ’n uitbraak te voorkom.

’n Nasionale Benadering

Tog kan die stryd teen BKS nie net op plaasvlak gewen word nie. Dr. Morris wys daarop dat Suid-Afrika meer doeltreffende entstowwe benodig, aangepas vir plaaslike virusstamme. Hy pleit ook vir samewerking tussen boere, veeartsenydienste en wetstoepassing om die onwettige vervoer van besmette diere hok te slaan.

Die bedreiging vir voedselsekerheid en uitvoermarkte is eenvoudig te groot om halfhartig aan te pak.

’n Stem uit die Bedryf

Landbou-organisasie TLU SA het ’n beroep op minister John Steenhuisen gedoen oor die Bek-en-klouseer-uitbraak. Volgens hoofbestuurder Bennie van Zyl het die siekte sedert Februarie 2025 vinnig toegeneem, terwyl die planne ná die Julie-Indaba nog nie sigbare vordering getoon het nie. TLU SA wys daarop dat die staat se beperkte kapasiteit dit moeilik maak om uitbrekings konsekwent te beheer, en stel voor dat die privaatsektor ’n groter rol kan speel in die produksie en verspreiding van entstowwe. Só ’n vennootskap kan help om die siekte vinniger te beheer en die landbou-ekonomie te versterk.
Bek-en-klouseer is nie net ’n veeartseny-kwessie nie, maar ’n nasionale bedreiging. Net deur plaaslike dissipline én gesamentlike optrede kan Suid-Afrika sy kuddes beskerm, sy uitvoermarkte behou en sy voedselsekerheid verseker.

Rajant Kinetic Mesh Powering Smart Precision Farming in the Western Cape

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Rajant Kinetic Mesh Powering Smart Precision Farming in the Western Cape

Revolutionizing Agriculture with Resilient Connectivity

Agriculture is entering a new era where connectivity, data, and automation are transforming how farmers manage land, crops, and resources. At the forefront of this revolution is Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh® technology, a world-leading wireless networking solution that delivers reliable, high-speed, and secure connectivity across vast and challenging agricultural environments.

Unlike traditional wireless systems that depend on fixed infrastructure, Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh is fully mobile and self-healing. Each node communicates with multiple peers, creating a resilient, always-on network that adapts to the movement of farming vehicles, drones, sensors, and machinery. This ensures seamless communication across fields, regardless of terrain or distance, enabling farmers to maintain uninterrupted operations.

Rajant

Unlocking Efficiency with Data-Driven Decisions

For smart precision farming, this connectivity is game-changing. Real-time data from soil sensors, weather stations, GPS-guided equipment, and surveillance systems can be shared instantly, empowering farmers to make faster, data-driven decisions. From optimizing irrigation to reducing input costs and improving crop yields, Rajant technology brings measurable efficiency and sustainability benefits.

SPOC Managed Services, a trusted supplier of Rajant solutions in South Africa, is committed to equipping farmers with the tools to embrace Agriculture 4.0. By combining world-class connectivity with local expertise, SPOC ensures that farms across the Western Cape are ready to harness the full potential of smart farming technology.

A New Era for Western Cape Agriculture

In the modern agricultural landscape, a robust and reliable network is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh technology provides the foundation for farms to operate with unprecedented efficiency and intelligence. Coupled with the specialized support and services from SPOC Managed Services, farmers in the Western Cape are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of today and build a more productive and sustainable future. This partnership offers a complete solution for farmers looking to fully embrace the power of technology.

Rajant

Partnering with SPOC Managed Services

  • As a supplier of Rajant solutions, SPOC Managed Services offers a wide range of services to help farmers implement and maintain a modern digital infrastructure. Their offerings include:
  • Connectivity Solutions: Including Fibre, Wireless, Fixed-LTE, and Satellite services to ensure reliable network access across your farm.
  • Networking Infrastructure: Such as Structured Cabling, Wireless, Cabinets, and Switches, along with full installation and maintenance support.
  • Security & Surveillance: Offering CCTV Surveillance Systems and Content Blocking & Web Filtering for a secure digital environment.
  • Voice and Communication: Providing Cloud PBX Systems, Voice Services, and Conference solutions to streamline communication.

Managed IT & Support: With services like Cloud PC & Mobile App integration and Service Level Agreements to ensure your systems run smoothly.

For more information contact Arion Kirkwood on 0825725603, email: [email protected] or visit: www.spocsa.co.za

Designing Rural Futures: Sound Space Design Lessons from Portugal to the Western Cape

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Designing Rural Futures: Sound Space Design Lessons from Portugal to the Western Cape

Last month we introduced readers to Don Albert, architect and founder of Sound Space Design, has made Piketberg his home after a career spanning in Durban, Sydney, Bali, and Los Angeles. With three decades of international experience, his work focuses on how rural communities can grow sustainably, while preserving their unique character.

International Recognition

Now, his global projects are in the spotlight. Albert’s Peralta Beach Masterplan for Obrana in Portugal has just won three Gold awards from Design Skills Magazine and was named Best Waterfront Development by the Luxury Lifestyles Awards. The large-scale beachfront project has been celebrated for balancing luxury with sensitivity to the natural landscape.
But what does a resort in Portugal have to do with the Western Cape? Albert believes the lessons are highly relevant. “In South Africa we know luxury beachfront living,” he explains, “but crime has often pushed these into gated enclaves, cut off from their surroundings. That’s a missed opportunity.”

Lessons for the Western Cape

Instead, his approach emphasizes weaving developments into their semi-rural settings through public open-space networks, mixed-use buildings, and respect for existing street patterns. “We need permeability, not isolation,” he says. “By embracing nature and using both traditional and modern surveillance techniques, we can create safe environments that still feel part of the community.”

For small towns in the Western Cape, this means growth without losing identity. Rural character is preserved when design honours desire lines, heritage streetscapes, and the rhythm of daily life, while also maximising appeal for new residents and visitors.
As awards confirm the global value of his vision, Albert’s message for local readers is clear: thoughtful design can help rural South Africa thrive — not by walling itself off, but by opening up.

For more information visit: https://www.soundspacedesign.com/

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Nampo Cape 2025: A Showcase of Livestock, Breeding, and Agricultural Excellence

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Nampo Cape 2025: A Showcase of Livestock, Breeding, and Agricultural Excellence

NAMPO Cape 2025 returns to Bredasdorp Park from 10 to 13 September, promising a vibrant, expanded showcase for South Africa’s agricultural sector. This year’s edition places a renewed focus on farming, livestock, and innovation, while also introducing new lifestyle elements that enhance the overall visitor experience.

At the centre of the agricultural programme is the expanded Landbank Livestock Tent, now relocated next to the BKB Livestock Centre. It will feature 35 exhibitors, including new breed displays such as Île-de-France, Suffolk, and Persian sheep, as well as Limousin and Chianina cattle. The layout creates a dynamic space for producers, breeders, and industry representatives to network and engage around genetics, health, and sustainability.

Nampo Cape 2025

Merino Excellence on Show

A major highlight for livestock enthusiasts is the return of the BKB Merino Classic, taking place on 11 and 12 September. More than 300 entries are expected from both stud and commercial breeders. Alongside it, the BKB National Merino Fleece Show makes its debut, showcasing the quality of South African Merino wool through both objective and traditional evaluation.

Agricultural Insight and Collaboration

In addition to livestock displays, the Santam Auditorium will host discussions led by organisations such as Grain SA, Vinpro, the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, and the Milk Producers Organisation, with SA Studbook facilitating focused sessions on small stock, dairy, and beef breeding excellence.

Growing Smarter: Protected Vegetable Production Seminar

This year also features a seminar on Protected Vegetable Production, which will explore sustainable water management, integrated pest control, precision farming, and greenhouse technology, with an emphasis on solutions for emerging and New Era farmers.

Boerboels and Tent Pegging

Saturday, 13 September will feature the Western Cape Championship hosted by the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society, where 100 registered Boerboels will be judged in the Western Cape Lubricants Arena. That same arena will debut international tent pegging, a high-speed equestrian sport, with teams from South Africa and Australia competing.

Lifestyle and Leisure

Lifestyle additions further enrich the experience. For the first time, luxury and standard on-site tented accommodation will be available for up to 150 guests, with private parking, dedicated ablutions, security, and a shared hospitality tent. Overberg Aviation will offer helicopter rides over the Overberg countryside, while the newly launched Neptun Deli will offer a range of regional products including olives, wine, dried fruit, and artisanal treats. The well-known Napier Garden Café will continue to serve visitors throughout the event.

Tickets and Info

Tickets for NAMPO Cape 2025 will be available at www.ticketpros.co.za. Online adult tickets are R100, with gate tickets priced at R110. Children enter for R50, and preschoolers attend free.

For more information, visit www.nampocape.co.za, call 028 050 1385, or email [email protected]

Make Every Drop Count with VICAR Sprayers

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Make Every Drop Count with VICAR Sprayers

Over the past three seasons, Ikapa Trading in Grabouw—co-owned by Neels Thiart and supported by seasoned industry expert Mike Heath—has successfully conducted more than 50 well-organised demonstrations and sales of VICAR Radial Turbine Air Blast Sprayers.

These versatile sprayers have proven their value on a wide variety of crops in the Western Cape, including grapes, apples, pears, oranges, lemons, berries, olives, avocados, fynbos, and vegetables—all with a single machine.

VICAR Sprayers
Orchards & Vineyards
VICAR Sprayers
Windrows and big fruit trees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the sole importer and direct distributor of the VICAR concept, we have worked closely with the German manufacturer to select three optimal models from more than ten available options. The result is a line-up that delivers outstanding performance, exceptional coverage, and reliable crop protection.

Our latest sprayers are engineered to reduce input costs, improve spray efficiency, and increase coverage precision—even in the toughest conditions. With a VICAR sprayer, you can:

What are the Benefits of VICAR Sprayers

  • Minimise spray drift
  • Cut down your spray fleet
  • Spray multiple rows simultaneously
  • Spray effectively, even in the wind
  • Work faster and more efficiently
  • Navigate and spray terraces with ease
  • Meet all Global G.A.P. compliance standards
  • Lower ongoing maintenance costs
  • Spray multiple crops with one sprayer

    LTS—a family-owned company spanning two generations—brings over 40 years of experience as wine and fruit farmers. They have continuously refined their machines to meet evolving farming demands, from higher crop densities and narrower rows to precise application rates, all while meeting strict European standards.

This advanced technology offers maximum control with minimal chemical use, achieving up to 90% less overspray and delivering major environmental benefits.

We welcome you to visit our showroom, see the machines in action, and book your personal demonstration.

Contact Us: Neels Thiart on 082 378 2411 | [email protected] | www.ikapatrading.co.za

Investment Summit 2025 puts agriculture at the core of growth

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Investment Summit 2025 puts agriculture at the core of growth

Agriculture is the Western Cape’s economic anchor, sustaining exports, jobs, and rural communities. With the launch of the Western Cape Investment Summit (WCIS) 2025, announced by Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, the province is preparing to secure new investment that could transform the sector.

The summit, set for 5–7 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will bring together over 300 global delegates, from investors to project developers. For farmers and agri-businesses, this is not just another conference—it is a platform to access capital, partnerships, and new markets.

Driving the R1-Trillion Vision

The WCIS forms part of the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to build a R1-trillion economy by 2035, with 4–6% annual growth. A key goal is to lift private-sector investment to 20% of GDP, or R200 billion.

For agriculture, this target translates into more than numbers. It could mean expanded irrigation schemes to withstand droughts, renewable energy projects to lower production costs, and modern packhouses to increase export competitiveness. Investments in agri-processing will also create opportunities for farmers to move further up the value chain.

Between 2014 and 2023, the Western Cape attracted 296 foreign direct investment projects, generating over US$9.1 billion in capital expenditure and creating more than 17,800 jobs. With agriculture consistently ranking among the province’s top performing sectors, there is strong potential to attract a significant share of future investment.

Opportunities for Farmers

Agriculture and agri-processing feature prominently on the summit’s agenda, alongside renewable energy, technology, and tourism. The province’s strengths—wine and fruit exports, aquaculture, grain production, and livestock—will be showcased to potential investors.

Delegates will have access to a curated deal book and digital investor tracking app, while farmers and processors will benefit from match-making sessions and site visits. For smaller farmers, this provides a rare opportunity to present projects directly to financiers and international buyers.

Preparing for the Future

The challenges facing the sector are clear: climate change, rising input costs, global price volatility, and the urgent need to decarbonise. Minister Meyer has emphasised that WCIS 2025 is “more than an event—it is a catalyst for job creation and inclusive growth.” For agriculture, this means attracting the type of investment that strengthens resilience while boosting competitiveness.

Premier Alan Winde added that the Western Cape is the “gateway to South Africa’s immense economic potential.” For farmers, this gateway must lead to sustainable production, better infrastructure, and stronger global market access.

Call to Action

The Western Cape Government has invited farmers, cooperatives, and agri-businesses to submit investment-ready projects for inclusion in the summit. From climate-smart farming systems and renewable energy solutions to innovative value-added processing, agriculture is in a prime position to seize this opportunity.

The WCIS 2025 is not only about achieving a trillion-rand economy. It is about ensuring agriculture remains at the centre of growth, securing the Western Cape’s future as a leader in food production, exports, and rural development.

Benguela Cove Blooms with Wine, Nature and Family Fun

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Benguela Cove Blooms with Wine, Nature and Family Fun

Winter’s chill is fading, and spring’s gentle warmth is here. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is waking up, and it’s the perfect place to soak up the season’s fresh energy. With the Western Cape bursting with colour and the scenery getting even more beautiful, it’s a great time to visit, whether you’re after a peaceful getaway or a fun day out with friends and family.

Spring at Benguela Cove is all about reconnecting with nature and with each other. The estate, tucked inside the UNESCO-protected Kogelberg Biosphere, is a treat for the eyes as fynbos and wildflowers explode into life. You can jump on a guided vineyard safari to follow the grapes’ journey from “blossom to bottle” or just wander the property, taking in the wideopen views of the lagoon and ocean.

For those who want to toast the season with great wine and good food, Benguela Cove has plenty to offer. The Moody Lagoon restaurant provides a stunning backdrop for brunch, lunch, or a family feast that tastes like home. You can also try a variety of wine-tasting experiences and food pairings, from a classic charcuterie board to gourmet chocolate or fresh oysters, all perfectly matched with the estate’s award-winning wines.

Benguela Cove

The vibrant energy of spring at Benguela Cove peaks with the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Get your stein ready to say “Prost!” as the estate kicks off the summer season with this massive, family-friendly event. The day will feature a live Oompah Band, a dynamic DJ, a Bavarian market, and a traditional German feast with bratwurst, pretzels, and apple strudel, all great with local craft beers and the estate’s fantastic wines.

What really makes this Oktoberfest special is its focus on family fun. Besides the main event, guests can enjoy a variety of activities at the on-site Benguela Adventure Park. Kids can burn off some energy at our Pirate Golf course, completed with caves, footbridges, and waterfalls, or splash around in the dedicated splash pad. It’s an environment where adults can kick back with a cold brew and delicious food while the kids have a memorable, action-packed day.

To make the most of the beautiful spring weather and those stunning lagoon views, why not make it a longer stay? We invite you to make it a weekend getaway by booking one of our luxurious waterfront villas. We know you’ll love waking up to the panoramic views and spending time surrounded by the natural beauty and luxury amenities of the estate. It’s the perfect way to truly experience the unique lifestyle we offer and make lasting family memories.

Book your villa stay today and turn your Oktoberfest celebration into an unforgettable weekend escape.

For more information visit www.benguelacove.co.za or email [email protected]

Tim Atkin’s 2025 Report Crowns South Africa’s Winegrowers World Leaders

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Tim Atkin’s 2025 Report Crowns South Africa’s Winegrowers World Leaders

“South Africa’s visceral attachment to the land is key to its rising wine success,” asserts Tim Atkin MW in his annual South Africa Special Report, in partnership with Private Wealth by Old Mutual, released earlier today (2 September).

“The majority of the country’s best winegrowers and winemakers are closely attuned to nature and deeply respectful of their vineyards. Acknowledging that the land, the vines and the vintage have the final say is letting winemakers create wines that express a place and a time, as much as their own personalities. Place is arguably more important than style or grape variety. Producers are telling the story of the land, guiding it carefully into bottle. They are also happy to express different growing vintages, whatever the challenges. In fact, flexibility is a vital feature of the new post-modern Cape wine scene.”

He observes that currently “the overwhelming majority of the Cape’s best wines are single- vineyard or single-estate bottlings.”

Atkin has scored two wines 100 points, or full marks, in this year’s report, now in its 13th edition. They are the 2024 Alheit Magnetic North, a single-vineyard Chenin Blanc sourced from two parcels of dry-farmed bush vines in Citrusdal; and the 2023 Porseleinberg Syrah sourced from organic vineyards established in schist soils in the Swartland. This is the second time that Porseleinberg has received 100 points, following in the footsteps of the 2018 release. Chris Alheit’s 2023 Nautical Dawn from Stellenbosch achieved a perfect score last year.

Two wines have earned 99 points. They are the 2024 Sadie Family Wines Skerpioen, a Swartland blend of old vine Chenin Blanc, co-fermented with Palomino; and the 2023 Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah from Stellenbosch vines. All four of these producers have featured on Atkin’s roll of honour in past years for producing what he regards as the country’s top wines.

For the 2025 report, Atkin tasted 2,000 wines from close to 400 producers over two visits to the country, funded and organised by Wines of South Africa (WoSA). “WoSA’s support has been invaluable since the report’s inception in 2013,” he says.

Donovan Rall of Rall Wines is this year’s Winemaker of the Year. He often sources from previously neglected vineyards that he helps to nurture and preserve, working with local communities in doing so. The title of Young Winemaker of the Year goes to Stuart Botha of Tokara and that of Rising Star of the Year to Megan van der Merwe of Beau Constantia.

Danie Carinus of Bluegum Grove in Stellenbosch is Viticulturist of the Year. Apart from his own highly respected wines, he also supplies grapes to some of the country’s foremost winemakers.

The 2025 Winemaking Legend crown goes to Dr Paul Clüver, who as far back as the 1980s was instrumental in establishing Elgin as a cool-climate wine-growing area.

Tim Atkin

Gabriëlskloof in Bot River features as the winner of the Best Cellar Door Experience.

Chenin Blanc remains the star performer this year, with 34 wines scoring 95 or more. “The Cape has definitively eclipsed the Loire Valley as the source of the planet’s best dry Chenin Blancs.” He adds that the grape also “reflects different soil types and terroirs more faithfully than any other South African variety” and he highlights how it still features disproportionately in the country’s top blends.

Chardonnay, he considers to be “increasingly good”, and this year has 23 wines attracting scores of at least 95.

The country’s best reds, he says, “are every bit as good as its world-class whites” as “new wave” producers revert to the “old style” that pursues freshness and balance at lower alcohols and where “natural acidity rather than sugar levels is the current focus, the backbone and spinal cord”.

Syrah is the best-performing red, with 21 wines achieving 95 points or more.

With 47 of his 212 wines of the year sourced from certified Old Vine Project vineyards, he suggests that “old heritage vineyards should be protected by law, like historical buildings”.

The national vineyard, that has fallen to just below 88,000 ha, continues to shrink in the face of declining profitability and climate chaos, he writes, having lost almost 13,000 ha over the past decade. Yet producers are responding to these challenges with resilience and innovation and a focus on the higher end of the market. There are now 111 grape varieties deemed suitable for wine growing in the country, with the accent on Mediterranean grapes, from Albariño to Xinomavro. Several of the country’s foremost winegrowers are experimenting with grapes known to perform well in countries such as Portugal and Greece.

Atkin lauds industrywide efforts to build soil health through regenerative agriculture, the greater application of integrated pest management, the use of precision tools to address virus infection in vineyards and strategies to increase vine metabolism. He also backs steps outlined by leading viticulturist Rosa Kruger that the industry can take, including planting higher and cooler and on south- or east-facing slopes to make the most of cooling winds, and by “working with the natural contours of the land to channel rainwater and fight against erosion from occasional flash-flooding”.

All these measures will play a vital role in mitigating climate change that could see temperatures rise between 1°C and 2.5°C by 2060, according to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

THE PODIUM 2025

Winemaker of the Year: Donovan Rall of Rall Wines

Young Winemaker of the Year: Stuart Botha of Tokara

Rising Star of the Year: Megan van der Merwe of Beau Constantia

Viticulturist of the Year: Danie Carinus of Bluegum Grove

Producers’ Cellar of the Year: Riebeek Valley Wine Company

Winemaking Legend: Dr Paul Clüver

Best Cellar Door Experience: Gabriëlskloof

Overall White Wine of the Year: 2024 Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain

Overall Red Wine of the Year: 2023 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland

Overall Rosé of the Year: 2025 Doolhof XCLUSIV Rosé, Limietberg

Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2019 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique, Western Cape

Overall Sweet Wine of the Year: 2022 Boekenhoutskloof Noble Late Harvest, Franschhoek

Overall Fortified Wine of the Year: 2005 Boplaas Colheita 20-Year-Old Cape Tawny, Calitzdorp

Red Wine Discovery of the Year: 2022 Beeslaar The Sacrament, Stellenbosch

White Wine Discovery of the Year: 2024 Sadie Family Twiswind, Swartland

Rosé Wine Discovery of the Year: 2024 Lost Boy Latigo, Cape Agulha

Fortified Wine Discovery of the Year: NV Saldanha Oloroso N° 3, Swartland

Sparkling Wine Discovery of the Year: 2020 Boschendal Mountain Rose Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique, Coastal

Best Value White of the Year: 2023 Windmeul OVP Chenin Blanc Reserve, Paarl

Best Value Red of the Year: 2024 Kloovenburg Village Red, Swartland

Best Value Rosé of the Year: 2024 Le Sueur Grenache Rosé, Klein Karoo

Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2024 Rebel Rebel Cinsault Méthode Ancestrale, Bottelary

Best Value Sweet Wine of the Year: 2024 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Robertson

Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year: NV KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny, Western Cape

To purchase the report, where more detail can be found, visit www.timatkin.com.

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