As conditions return to normal in the Western Cape, a report released by viticultural consultancy VinPro estimates that based on industry averages, the cost of losing a hectare of vineyard to fire amounts to almost R240 000.
“This includes loss of income, additional labour to uproot damaged vines and the re-establishment of vines,” said VinPro economist, Andries van Zyl.
He added that this could, however, vary significantly between different vineyards, particularly where those vineyards that were destroyed produced acclaimed, premium wines.
The fire started on 19 January on the south-westerly side of Simonsberg, above the town of Pniel. From there it spread across the entire mountain, causing significant damage to the vineyards of several well-known wine estates, including Thelema, Uitkyk, Kanonkop and Rustenberg, before it was finally brought under control last Friday.
According to VinPro’s viticultural consultant for the Stellenbosch region, Conrad Schutte, damage to vines varies from those that were completely destroyed to scorched leaves and potential smoke taint,
The impact of smoke taint on wine grapes could be more widespread than physical fire damage, with smoke caused by burning forests and fynbos potentially also influencing adjacent vineyards. The extent of this can only be properly determined after the wine has been made and analysed.
Schutte noted that it was difficult to accurately determine the total damage caused, even after the fire has been extinguished.
“Previous fires have taught us that some vineyards that seem to be severely damaged recover remarkably, while others do not make it, even though they appear to have survived. Only time will tell,” he said.
Schutte pointed out that the first priority after fire damage would be for producers to restore irrigation systems and properly irrigate affected vineyards.
“With the current drought conditions, this is not always easy, but it can make a significant difference in terms of vine survival. It would also be worthwhile to completely remove bunches from damaged vines,” he commented.
