In this episode, Jono chats to Johan Reyneke; owner of Reyneke Wines, and pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in South Africa.   The episode is primarily concerned with the fascinating world of bio-solutions in viticulture, but as so often happens when Johan is involved, the topics spread both broader and deeper; touching on the philosophy of science, the economics of animals in viticulture, and the need to restore a holistic view of farming ..read more

In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we interview Nadia Hefer - the driving force behind the Old Vine Project’s brand new digital education platform.   Nadia discusses the history of the Old Vine Project, the keys to their success, and the incredible scientists and experts they’ve met along the way. She unpacks a little of the new course’s curriculum and touches on the role of hard science in support of the Old Vine Initiative, silencing the critics.   ..read more

In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we explore the future of grape farming in the South African Winelands and discuss how vignerons can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and drought. Our guest, viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht, founder of Visual Viticulture and consultant to esteemed producers like Eben Sadie and Weltevreden, offers insights on strategies for future-proofing the wine industry. Jaco is also a key member of The Horsemen Wines team, a winemaking project that focuses on cultivating grape varietals that are better suited for the "apocalyptic times" brought on by cl ..read more

Following on from a successful CapeWine 2022, we met up with Wines of South Africa CEO, Siobhan Thompson, to unpack the strategy behind its theme of “Sustainability 360”. Siobhan also shares some of her thoughts on the challenges facing South African wine on a global scale and gives her insight on the areas in which South African wine can grow and shine.  ..read more

Just moments before the historic Tim Atkin 95+ point wine tasting in Cape Town, Jono got to sit down with Tim Atkin to discuss a full decade of Tim’s South African Wine Reports.  This podcast includes Tim's highlights of the year, and what excites him for the future of South African wine. Points discussed in this episode include the state of South African wine in global markets, the future of Syrah in the country, and the need for vignerons to begin future-proofing against climate change.    ..read more

In July 2022, Vinimark gathered a panel of some of South Africa's pioneering black wine marketers, distributors and retailers to discuss the expectations and needs of black wine drinkers versus what wine marketers and retailers are actually delivering. The conversation highlighted significant challenges, but also clear opportunities for producers who are willing to take the time to build consumer trust the old-fashioned way. And so it is that Vinimark is following up that earlier conversation by chatting to Thapelo Mokoena to try and answer those questions. Thapelo is the co-owner of the Nero ..read more

In the run-up to Cape Wine 2022, and its theme of Sustainability 360, we spoke to author Jamie Goode about the concept of Regenerative Viticulture. We were keen to know how to measure sustainability, how carbon content affects soil health, and whether improved soil health might adversely affect wine quality.  Jamie came back with&nbs ..read more

Wine geeks, assemble! In our latest podcast episode titled Yeasts, Thiols and their effect on wine flavour development, we have a fascinating contribution from Dr Carien Coetzee, the founder of Basic Wine. Carien is a doctor of Agricultural Oenology, as well as an international wine judge for the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon. It’s all in an afternoon’s work for her as she effortlessly unpacks some of the science behind thiol-boosting yeasts, and explains how yeast nutrients can modulate flavour during fermentation. She also discusses some exciting discoveries and innovations that are opening ..read more

In our latest podcast episode titled Future-Focussed Wine Brands, Jono speaks to Lulie Halstead, CEO of Wine Intelligence about her incredibly useful framework for helping wine producers and brands be more future-focussed, and strategically position themselves for maximum commercial success during the decade heading up to 2030. She identified six elements: Awareness / Availability / Accountability / An accommodating mindset / Affluence and Adaptability. It's been four years since Lulie shared this framework and with CAPEWINE2022 just around the corner, it felt like a good time to take stock of ..read more

In this Vinimark podcast episode titled The Fine Wine Debate, we speak to CEO of the Areni Global Institute, Pauline Vicard, about her wine industry study: “The Future of the Fine Wine Consumer”. Together we try to figure out where South Africa’s top-tier wines fit into the global picture of fine wine. We grapple with what the term “fine wine” actually means, and explore how a “nice wine” may be different to a “good wine”. Pauline shares her own thoughts on the definition, as well as what global wine critics and industry professionals deem of utmost importance when distinguishing “fine wine” f ..read more