MARCH 1 is traditionally when the annual general price increases are implemented by most South African wine farms and distributors to address production cost increases, inflation, etc. In 2018 many producers delayed their yearly hikes or indicated that a second adjustment would follow that in March because of the increase in VAT, due to come about in April. There are also those who choose to rather adjust prices later in the year, or to absorb price increases for a while.

The extent of the increases will be considered on Top Wine SA after the April hikes. In the meantime, to give an inkling of how things are panning out, here (below) is a copy of the Liquid Assets column published in Personal Finance magazine at the beginning of 2018. In the article the cellar-door prices were given for three wines recommended as very good value at under R100 a bottle – a ceiling that many a bargain wine will break through if it hasn’t already.

Dry white at R86 before 1 March, rising to R100
The Dry Land Collection Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2016 from the co-operative Perdeberg winery in Paarl

Dry rosé at R60 before 1 March, rising to R70
Kanonkop Kadette Dry Pinotage Rosé 2017 from the Kriges’ estate on the slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch

Dry red at R85 before 1 March, rising to R96
Alto Rouge 2015 from Distell’s estate in the Helderberg, Stellenbosch