MICHAEL FRIDJHON: Wine growers’ charity extends beyond industry’s needs
The Cape Wine Auction has raised R125m since 2014, mainly for young people living in the Cape winelands
Charity, as the adage reminds us, begins at home — and the wine industry is acutely aware of this. For the past 30 years — during which time the relationship between grape growers/winemakers and the state was visibly combative — producers learnt to function without any assistance from the government. More recently, however, there has been evidence of toenadering — though not to the point that anyone would describe the spirit of engagement as “cosy”. Bad blood doesn’t evaporate overnight.
The government could do a lot more to ensure the viability of a sector that makes an important contribution to the economy and to our balance of payments — and employs (directly or indirectly) more than 250,000 people. It need look no further than Australia for an example worth following: trade deals with China (which went badly wrong during the Covid-19 pandemic), Britain, the EU and most recently India, have played a crucial role in supporting that country’s wine exports...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.