Fires and the South African Winelands

Stellenbosch is the country's epicentre for superb South African wines. Wine farms in this area are famous, not only for their superb selection of superior wines (from Chardonnay to Cabernet, Bordeaux to Merlot), but also for their resplendent beauty and magnificent landscapes. So rich is the land that Stellenbosch is responsible for 18% of the wine production of the entire country. With a population of only 75 000 people, this is no mean feat. In fact, South Africa is the ninth largest wine producer in the world. Understandably, then, when vicious flames swept through the Western Cape of South Africa, this precious area faced the possibility of destruction beyond the glorious landscape; it faced the potential to lose its essence as the primary wine production source for many an esteemed wine fundi, both locally and internationally.

Stellenbosch is surrounded by the impressive Helderberg and the Stellenbosch Mountains plus the Jonkershoek Valley and the Simonsberg mountains. Simonsberg is connected to Botmaskop and the rest of the Jonkershoek mountains by Helshoogte. Surrounding towns, such as Somerset West, are also home to beautiful and productive wine farms, boasting an impressive array of quality South African wines.

The Western Cape summers are frequently plagued by devastating fires. However, it was when these relentless flames spread from Somerset West over Jonkershoek and into the Stellenbosch winelands that many residents were forced to flee from their homes. Because of the mountainous nature of this exquisite area, fire fighters were not always able to fight the flames. Relentless summer winds were also a major contributing factor to the spread of these fires. This wind, frequently reaching gale force, whipped flames across roads and highways that would ordinarily, have prevented the spread of its flames. The smoke density in many areas prohibited the air pilots from dropping water bombs onto these fires in many instances. All of these factors combined to create a very dangerous and destructive situation.

In Somerset West, Vergelegen (famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Merlot), Lourensford, and Knorhoek wine estates were under particular threat as the flames galloped across the Helderberg. These farms rely, not only on the local market, but also on their ability to export quality wines all over the world.

Many of the farms suffered major damage. Scorched and destroyed vineyards (or parts thereof) are potentially devastating, especially for those that have international exports to fulfil. Many farmers resorted to allowing the labourers, who are usually responsible for the upkeep, pruning and harvesting of the vines, to fight fires due to a shortage of rescue workers over this busy period. Production was thus not only halted due to the damages caused, but also because staff members were being employed elsewhere, slowing the rate of picking even in the unharmed areas of the vineyards.

The harvesting of the red wine grapes was due to begin just one week after the fires ravaged the areas, so efforts to save the area were concentrated on these grapes. Any major damage to the white wine grapes will still need to be addressed once the red wine grapes have been harvested completely.

Even after the blaze was extinguished, the thick smoke and dense ash had a choking effect on both the people and the vineyards of the area. It is a well-known fact that burning established vegetation renews the soil and creates an opportunity for healthy, new sprouts. However, in the case of these wine farms, time constraints and global demand play an important part in the production rates and requirements.

The areas worst affected by the fires are those which, for South Africa as well as for the world, stand out as being some of the most successful sources of delectable wines. These fires have no doubt left many a farmer in dire straits in terms of recovering their damaged crops as well as the money lost in recuperating from the loss of valuable production time.

Fires and the South African Winelands by Fiona C Phillips
Fiona Phillips has an M.B.A. from the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business and completed several Cape Wine Academy courses, culminating in Diploma II. Her passion for wine and her fascination for the limitless possibilities of the Internet motivated the start-up http://www.cybercellar.com 
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