Barrel loss hits local wineries after ship disaster
2007-02-01
WITH the grape harvesting season well under way, a possible disaster has struck the wine industry, after hundreds of wine barrels destined for local wine producers were lost while being shipped from Europe to South Africa.
A container ship bound for South Africa, MSC Napoli, ran aground after running into trouble off the south-western coast of England during heavy storms last week.
Containers washed up on the shoreline, only to become prey to looters who got away with 166 of the ship’s 2323 containers.
One importer alone lost 200 vats worth R1,6 million.
This has left local wine producers such as Fairview, Seidelberg, Backsberg, Rhebokskloof and Val de Vie scurrying to seek alternatives.
Wooden barrels are generally used in February and March for the fermentation of especially white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but because of an early harvesting season due to the searing heat, grapes have ripenened quicker and therefore the harvesting started weeks before schedule.
Gerard Human of the CDS group which imports wine barrels, said that although this was a huge set back for many farmers, the wine industry was once again standing together and supporting each other.
“Everyone involved is scurrying around trying to find alternatives and assisting each other where they can.
“Unused barrels are being lent to wine producers who are in dire straits and orders have immediately been placed with the European suppliers for speedy delivery.
“Due to the industry standing together in times like these, it is hoped that there will be no major losses.”
- Lise Beyers
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