CapeWine 2022: SA wine’s commitment to sustainability

As the DHL Express CapeWine 2022 bids farewell to visitors from 60 different countries, we reflect on what was undoubtedly this year’s best industry event on the South African wine calendar.

Over the three days from 5-7 October, nearly 2 000 guests registered their attendance for the premier trade showcase for the industry with a record-breaking 417 exhibiting producers showcasing their wines under one roof whilst illustrating the 360 degrees of sustainability efforts, each focusing on the pillars of planet, people and prosperity.

Vinimark stand at CapeWine 2022.

A combination of both local and international trade and media guests attended a host of seminars, tastings and producer events where they could experience a wide range of South Africa’s top wines and learn more about the regions and varietals that make this country’s wine so unique.

“I think it’s extraordinary, I really do. I think it’s one thing to take South African wine to the world, but when you come here and you really see the beauty of this place, the extraordinary vistas, I think one starts to appreciate our wines in a different way. I think it’s really great for the industry to be seen from the inside.”

– Wendy Appelbaum, owner of DeMorgenzon

CapeWine 2022: Sustainability 360

Creating a sustainable future for the wine industry, its people, the land we farm and focusing on future generations was one part of the theme. The other highlights the 363 year long history of the South African wine industry.

Each element of CapeWine was meticulously crafted to ensure that the most sustainable practices were followed with recyclable stands, minimal waste, carbon offsetting and sustainable packaging and the producers were inspired to tell their individual stories of their sustainability journeys.

“CapeWine is an incredible opportunity for the SA wine industry to come together and celebrate our wine and showcase the best that we have to offer and explore new opportunities. I think post-Covid, things have opened up to such an extent that we’re ready to conquer and reach new levels. I think SA wine is being elevated in world markets and this is an opportunity to show the world where South African wines are going and what it holds for us as an industry.”

– Peter Pentz, communications manager at Groote Post Vineyards

CapeWine 2022: growing results of transformation

In her address to show visitors at the opening seminar on the first morning of CapeWine, keynote speaker Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, noted: “The wine industry is one of the exciting industries of our agricultural sector, with clear and growing results of transformation, both on gender and race.”

“It’s incredible. CapeWine 2022 shows the world that South African wine performs so well on the world stage. South African wine deserves to be seen on the pedestal on which we’re creating it on.”

– Andrea Mullineux, co-owner and winemaker at Mullineux & Leeu

CapeWine 2022: By the numbers

Glasses were rotated roughly four times, which means roughly 32 000 units were used and approximately 26 400 bottles of wine, to the value of R6 million, were shipped into the show for tasting over the three days.

According to partners Waste(Planet), roughly 7 tons of wine bottles were poured and sent to be recycled, 2 tons of water bottles, 6.5 tons of general waste, over 4 500 meals were served and almost 4 000 cups of coffee kept exhibitors going.

An additional 160 support staff assisted within the hall, which included trainee chefs from School of Skills, in Rocklands, waiters, glass washers, baristas and runners.

Jannie Mouton (Agri Western Cape), Thys Louw (Diemersdal), Schalk van der Merwe (Merwida) and Rico Basson (Vinpro)

“CapeWine is a platform to link producers with industry people, and to showcase South African wines to the rest of the world. It’s amazing that we’re able to just link up, have fun and talk a little bit of business in a more relaxed way.”

– Gabriella Lundall, blogger at @TheVineLady

Wines of South Africa CEO, Siobhan Thompson, comments, “As CapeWine 2022 draws to a close after a four year hiatus, I can conclude that this was a wonderful celebration of our quality wines with a special focus on the sustainability of our Winelands, people and businesses.”

She continues: “The result of this mammoth project exceeded our expectation with visitors attending from all corners of the world. The energy and excitement in the hall over the 3 days was testimony to the hard work done by all of the producers to create wines that represent the vibrancy of our nation.”

As the doors closed on a truly successful event and the industry reflects on what was a busy, yet exhilarating week for all, we are excited to reap the rewards in the international trade as they return with a renewed excitement about South African wine and the media continue to sing the praises of an industry which has positioned itself as a major player in international markets.

We’re already looking forward to the next edition of CapeWine, which is set to take place in 2025.

“I think it’s such a great opportunity to showcase South African wine, after more than two years of feeling like we haven’t been able to sell our wines. It’s also a great opportunity to welcome the rest of the world back into Cape Town and our Winelands, so that they can experience our whole wine industry and taste the wonderful wines that we produce.”

– Lucinda Heyns, owner and winemaker of Illimis Wines

Click here to get your copy of WineLand Magazine and here to subscribe to our newsletter.