The 2008/09 South African grape season is on course to match last year's late start across the majority of production areas, according to Stellenbosch-based group Sapex Exports.
Cold, wet and frosty weather has set back early vine development in some areas, hampering development of the fruit. However, damage has been minimal and will not affect crop sizes in most areas, the group said.
The Orange River area experienced mixed weather at the start of the season. 'The initial physiological development was a bit quicker than last year and a season 7-10 days earlier than last year was expected,' Sapex said in a statement. 'The area did, however, experience some cold weather later on and some cases of frost damage were reported. The cold weather did slow down the physiological development of the vines and at this stage the timing of the season is on track with last year.'
It has been a similar story in the Western Cape region, where cool weather has pushed the season back after an early start, the group noted.
However, production in Mpumalanga has progressed well, with berries well developed and of even size. 'Everything is progressing very well in the Northern area of Mpumalanga,' Safex added. 'Very warm temperatures are being experienced and vine development is very good. In this area we are still looking at a slightly earlier season than last year.'
