With no revenue from domestic sales, the once world-famous South African wine industry is on its knees, but thankfully, a UK supermarket is stepping up!
United Kingdom (30 July 2020) – A social media post asking international friends of South Africans to please support our wine industry has been trending on social media ever since the South African government shut down alcohol sales with immediate effect.
It is understood that the ban was to help aid in decreasing the number of alcohol-related injuries in the much-needed ICU beds of the country.
The South African wine industry is world-famous, many of our elite bottles have earned themselves world titles. Frustration and anger are rife amongst the industry and supporters alike because even though there are no sales allowed, the government still taxes the sector, which is crippling them.
There are many experts who can better articulate and explain just how damaging this prohibition is on the South African economy. So we will leave that to them and instead highlight a very good news story!
Waitrose, a high-end supermarket in the United Kingdom, has taken up the cause to support the South African wine industry. They have put together a selection of our local wines and are selling them as mixed cases. The opportunity for UK residents to fall in love with our wines and re-order them at a later stage is right there.
The Waitrose Cellar launched the limited edition South African case yesterday to help boost sales. Priced at £62 (R 1338,17) for six bottles and £125 (R 2697,93) for 12, the case features wines from several South African winemakers.
Inside the case, you’ll find Springfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019; Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2019; Rustenberg Chardonnay 2019; Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2017; Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cab Sauvignon 2017 and Waitrose No.1 Cederberg Syrah 2018.
“It’s been really hard to see our fantastic winemakers in South Africa struggle with the domestic sales ban, some of whom we have worked with for over 20 years,” said Waitrose’s South African wine buyer, Victoria Mason.
“We have such a brilliant range of South African wines and we wanted to help in whatever way we could. By putting these wines together in a special case at a great price, we hope our customers will order one and help support the industry,” Mason added.
The gesture has not been lost on the South African population. As they say, at the end of all this, we will remember all those who helped along the way!
South Africa honours you Waitrose! Thank you for your support!
For those able to purchase a case, you can find it here.
UPDATE: According to one UK based reader, they tried to order a case and it’s listed as sold out. That is incredible news!!!
by 