Collapse of systems faces South African wine industry

But hold that thought, as it ain’t pretty for any wine producer or anybody concerned about the reputation and status of the country’s wine industry.

The deal concerns SAWIS, arguably the most efficient, effective and reputable arm of the multi-pronged officialdom that makes up the aforementioned hallowed halls of South African wine administration and management. SAWIS is the backbone and the heart of the wine industry. Without it, the industry wouldn’t be able to stay standing, nor would it have the irrepressible internal organ to keep it alive, 24/7.

SAWIS fulfils a supporting and administrative role that is essential for a well-informed and functioning wine industry. By turning industry data into usable information, administering certification processes and providing inspection services, SAWIS helps to support informed decision-making, traceability and trust in South African wine. All information and statistics recorded about the industry, all certification, inspection, wine of origin verification….and much, much more – this is what SAWIS does.

And for the 25 years plus of its existence, SAWIS has quietly, efficiently and diligently gained an international reputation in a field of which it is a world leader. Yvette van der Merwe, executive manager of SAWIS, is the current president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), a position to which she was not elected on account of her proficiency in Afrikaans and love of Chenin Blanc. It is because she and SAWIS run a show the rest of the wine world deems as of the best in the business.

Continue reading.