Knowledge is paramount, as the grapes themselves are, in the intricate world of grape and wine production. Understanding the nuances of viticulture and oenology is crucial for navigating the complexities of modern grape growing and winemaking.
Recognising this, South Africa Wine has prioritised communicating the results of both locally funded and international research, aiming to foster greater awareness of innovative possibilities within the industry.
One key channel through which South Africa Wine disseminates this invaluable knowledge is WineLand Media. With a dedicated section, the magazine publishes monthly technical articles, ranging from the latest academic research findings to practical guidelines for grape growers and winemakers. To further consolidate this wealth of information, South Africa Wine combines all technical articles published throughout the year at the end of each year into one comprehensive repository known as the Technical Yearbook.
The inception of the Technical Yearbook dates back to 2005, when the first edition, then called the Wynboer Technical Yearbook, was published and sponsored by Winetech and Toyota. Over the years, the publication evolved, adapting to the changing landscape of technology and readership preferences. From being solely in print, it transitioned into an interactive PDF document in 2015, catering to the digital age. However, in 2022 and 2023, the editions returned to print but are also available as flipbooks on the South Africa Wine website, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.
The 2023 edition of the Technical Yearbook is a testament to its evolution. It contains a rich compilation of 49 technical articles covering various topics, including vine water stress, winery wastewater for irrigation, root health, leafroll, minerality, yeast rehydration, and ultrasonic sanitation of barrels. This consolidation of knowledge and expertise isvital for advancing the industry's technical capabilities and fostering innovation.
“By documenting and disseminating this wealth of information, the Technical Yearbook contributes to preserving and evolving South Africa's rich winemaking heritage, ensuring its continued relevance and excellence in the global wine landscape,” says Karien O’Kennedy, Knowledge Transfer Manager at South Africa Wine – Research, Development and Innovation.
The Technical Yearbook’s impact reverberates among industry professionals, with endorsements from key figures such as Jaco Potgieter from DGB, who expresses his admiration for the quality and depth of information provided, and Gert Engelbrecht from Vinpro, who lauds the document for its accessibility and practical relevance.
“I am impressed with the new 2023 Technical Yearbook. It covers a wide range of topics, from the vineyard to the cellar and the final product. I use this source of information regularly. It is great to have such a quality book full of South African data and information,” says Jaco Potgieter, winemaker at DGB.
Gert Engelbrecht, Vinpro vineyard consultant, agrees. “This single document compiled annually brings the reader up to speed on the latest oenology and viticulture work in South Africa. It is a must-read for me. It is beautifully laid out and easy to read, with excellent illustrations. The practical articles also add much value to the document by addressing contemporary topics in a case study format.”
As the 2023 Technical Yearbook finds its way into the hands of winegrowers, winemakers, and industry professionals, it is poised to ignite a spark of curiosity and inspiration, empowering them with the knowledge to create a more sustainable future for South African wine.
In an industry where knowledge is king, South Africa Wine's Technical Yearbook reigns supreme, illuminating the path forward for the viticulture and oenology community, one insightful article at a time.
The 2023 Technical Yearbook, as well as all the previously published Technical Yearbooks, are available at sawine.co.za/knowledge/technical-yearbooks
For more information e-mail info@sawine.co.za or visit www.sawine.co.za.
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