The Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day 2025, held on 23 January at Goudini Spa in Rawsonville, brought together South African wine producers, industry experts, and thought leaders to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. Under the theme “Navigating Climate Chaos: Shaping the Vineyards of the Future”, this event served as a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and practical strategies to ensure the sustainability of vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
Opening the day, Anton Smuts, chairperson of Vinpro, emphasized the importance of rethinking traditional practices to adapt to the dynamic challenges faced by wine producers. “We need to shift from a survival mindset to one of sustainable growth and innovative thinking,” he said. Smuts highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the South African wine industry, calling on attendees to embrace change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
A Global Perspective from António Graça
One of the standout speakers of the day, António Graça, Head of Research and Development at Sogrape Vinhos SA, brought a global perspective to the discussion. Representing one of the world’s leading family-owned wine producers based in Portugal, Graça highlighted the critical intersection of climate change and biodiversity loss, which he termed a “synergy crisis.” He explained how climate change fuels biodiversity loss, while the loss of biodiversity, in turn, reduces the capacity to adapt to climate change. Graça emphasized the urgent need for the wine industry to lead agricultural sectors in addressing these challenges, given its unique role as an “essential element of social cohesion.” His insights reinforced the importance of combining innovative research, sustainability practices, and a long-term vision to ensure the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
Panel of Experts: Practical Solutions for Producers
The event also featured a panel of esteemed speakers who shared valuable expertise on navigating the challenges of climate and market resilience. These included Conrad Schutte, CEO of Vinpro; Heinie Nel, Viticulturist at DGB; André Brink, owner of Groot Phesantekraal Wines and Restaurant; and Johan Jordaan, Chief Winemaker at Spier Wine Farm. Together, they provided a wealth of practical insights tailored to empower farmers and producers in adapting to a changing industry landscape.
André Brink emphasized the importance of focusing on fewer, scalable products, leveraging technology to boost efficiency, and actively involving the next generation in farm operations to build long-term resilience. Heinie Nel encouraged producers to understand their farms’ unique characteristics, conduct thorough preplanting analyses, and divide vineyards into smaller irrigation blocks to optimize water use. Meanwhile, Johan Jordaan highlighted the importance of collaboration, transparency, and tracking environmental metrics such as water, electricity, and carbon emissions, which not only guide sustainability efforts but also connect consumers with the ethical story of their wine.
The Vinpro-Nedbank Partnership
Vinpro, representing nearly 2,600 South African wine producers and stakeholders, plays a pivotal role in advocating for the profitability and sustainability of its members. Collaborating with Nedbank, the event underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting agriculture and family businesses, many of which face significant risks from climate change. Daneel Rossouw, Nedbank’s Head of Sales for Agriculture, highlighted the stark reality that 80% of South Africa’s family businesses do not reach the fourth generation, with climate change and biodiversity loss being major contributing factors.
Resilience and Innovation in the Wine Industry
The Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day underscored the industry’s resilience and commitment to tackling climate challenges head-on. From practical farming strategies to forward-thinking approaches, the event empowered producers with tools to ensure the longevity of their vineyards and the wine industry as a whole.
As the event concluded, it became clear that collaboration, innovation, and adaptability will be key to shaping the vineyards of the future. The South African wine industry is not just navigating climate chaos—it is setting a course for sustainable growth, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.