A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away. But what the doctor didn’t tell you is how each glass of wine can be economically beneficial for you, me and other South Africans too.
A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away. But what the doctor didn’t tell you is how each glass of wine can be economically beneficial for you, me and other South Africans too.
The South African wine market has grown significantly since the end of apartheid, as trade relations and wine exports have both increased. But why is a bottle of cold, crisp Chardonnay so important to our economy? Two words: economic growth.
Producing almost 3.5% of the world’s wine, South African wines have managed to contribute considerably to economic growth since 2003. We are the leading country in the world when it comes to production integrity and for that we can pat ourselves on the back.
The greatest beauty of this trade is the cycle of economic prosperity it creates in our country. Our culturally enriched wine grown in the Cape Winelands has helped fuel the process of redressing economic imbalances within South Africa.
How you may ask? Ubuntu! It is the practice of focusing on people’s relationships and allegiances with each other, while affirming others.
Some Cape wine farmers have established joint ventures with their employees to give them part ownership in wine farm management, as well as developing their skills in the art of wine-making.
Other positive initiatives that have emerged to benefit Winelands communities encourage progressively transferring vineyard ownership to locals. A long-held dream their ancestors craved has now finally come true and South Africa can proudly compete in the global wine industry.
So listen to your doctor and have a daily glass of vino – just make sure it is Proudly South African, because local is always lekker!
