Mixed lead up to South African grape season

As the start of the South African grape season approaches, there has been extensive frost reported in the Orange River Region, this happened last weekend 21/22 September. The potential estimate of crop loss is between 5 and 15%. However it is too early to give an accurate estimate to determine the full extent of the losses. This
figure will be reviewed in the next 3 weeks.

Meanwhile in the Northern Province Region, the start of the season has been characterised by very hot weather conditions. Flowering on most varieties occurred 3-4 days earlier than in the 2012/13 season. The thinning of bunches on most
varieties have been completed whilst berry enlargement is already underway on Prime.

The early varieties in the Oliphants River Region are growing exceptionally well and flowering should commence in ±2 weeks. The growth of mid-season varieties
has been delayed by the recent cold and wet weather spells.

Bud break on early and mid-season varieties is somewhat uneven
due to the consistent cold and wet conditions in the Berg River Region. The soil is also
extremely wet in most areas, with the result that soil temperatures cannot increase significantly to promote root activity yet.

The recent cold weather in the Hex River Valley Region has slowed down the growth of earlyseason varieties. Bud break has however been very good.