South African stats from SAWIS show 2013 being , probably, the biggest harvest ever !! It is expected to give about 1,491 000 tons of grapes exceeding by 5.4 % the 2012 crop. And larger than the biggest previous crop, 2008, by 4,0%
However, much of the volume comes from the lesser quality areas of the Orange River and Oliphants River.
In the quality Coastal areas the growing season was late and ripening periods were cool giving longer time on the vines. In general quality in the Coastal area is reported to be good. Harvest weather was ideal. The Young Wine Show in at the end of July should shoe exactly what has transpired quality wise.
