Sunshine Day: Wines of South Africa bullish despite pressures

Despite the rise in taxation and the drop in wine consumption, South African exports of packaged wine to the UK are doing well – bulk wine less so – according to Siobhan Thompson, the CEO of Wines of South Africa. Hosting its first major generic tasting in London since 2023, WOSA’s mood was bullish with growth of value share over volume share reported, a push for drought-resistant grape varieties being planted, and a fine array of white wines, blended whites and lighter style reds on show from many old faces but also plenty of new players in the market. Chris Wilson reports and picks out 15 discoveries that brought a little sunshine to his face.