However, the sector is still normalising rather than growing, according to Maryna Calow, communications manager of Wines of SA (Wosa), which markets SA's wine exports.
"We are likely to recover our export figures and end the year on a closer to average volume level of between 390 million and 400 million litres, depending on December exports. We feel positive that we can start seeing the industry grow again," says Calow.
"It is, however, important to keep in mind that the increase in export volumes we have seen this year compared to last year, is still just part of the normalisation of the industry."
In 2018 SA exported about 420 million litres of wine. In 2019 this dropped to 320 million litres due to the impact the drought. The export volume remained at a similar level in 2020 (319 million litres), this time due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, especially on restaurant and holiday trade.
But Calow believes there are reasons for optimism.
"What is also heartening, is to see the value growth in our exports despite the fact that we started the year with a large surplus," she says.
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