The South African Post Office (Sapo) has paid tribute to the local wine industry through a set of five small international letter rate stamps and a commemorative envelope that will be issued on Friday.
The stamps were designed by Rachel-Mari Ackermann of the SA Post Office.
“The stamps cost R45.75 for a set of five and a commemorative envelope costs R48.75. They are available from all major post offices and can be ordered from SA.stamps@postoffice.co.za,” the post office said in a press statement.
Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa and appropriately, the Duke of Northumberland 1791 and Grand Constance 1821 wines feature on one of the stamps.
“The first commercially produced Pinotage is the 1959 Lanzerac Pinotage, which is featured on the second stamp,” the post office said.
The winelands of the Western Cape have become a prime draw card for tourists due to their spectacular beauty, internationally renowned restaurants and the high class wines on offer.
“Today, 17 wine routes are registered with the South African Wine Routes Forum and the winelands feature on the third stamp,” the post office said.
Wine is also produced in KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo, with about one million litres produced annually in South Africa.
A photograph of workers collecting grapes at Babylonstoren is featured on the fourth stamp. Wine harvesting in SA normally occurs between February and March.
Traditional wooden barrels are featured on the last stamp. – SAnews.gov.za
