South Africa Wine Research Projects

Our strategic objectives encompass flagship programmes, the generation of scientific knowledge relevant to both industry and academia, innovation and research business ventures, the development of a South African wine blockchain ecosystem, the formulation of a holistic sustainability strategy (ESG Roadmap), knowledge transfer, industry engagement, and international partnerships. The flagship programmes are particularly noteworthy. These large-scale, strategically focused, and ambitious initiatives address the multifaceted challenges of climate change, water efficiency, plant breeding, and wine authenticity. By integrating individual projects into comprehensive programmes, we strive to push the boundaries of knowledge production and innovation, exploring groundbreaking ideas, methodologies, and technologies. This book is a testament to our ongoing efforts. It offers a detailed compilation of summaries of research projects concluded by the end of 2023 and those currently underway in 2024. Organised according to the specialised committees overseeing them, this book aims to create awareness of the research initiatives funded by South Africa Wine and acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the researchers leading these projects. We hope this collection will inspire continued collaboration, innovation, and progress within the South African wine industry, ensuring stakeholders’ sustainable and prosperous future.

Sincerely, South Africa Wine Research, Development and Innovation Team

OUR TEAM GERARD MARTIN: RDI Executive (gerard@sawine.co.za) ANEL ANDRAG: RDI Manager – Viticulture (anel@sawine.co.za) DR ADRIAAN OELOFSE: RDI Manager – Oenology (adriaan@sawine.co.za) DR KARIEN O’KENNEDY: Knowledge Transfer Manager (karien@sawine.co.za)

SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESEARCH 2024

3