Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines on the Swartland’s 2024 Vintage

The 2024 vintage in South Africa's Swartland was marked by a compressed harvest and a prolonged drought, leaving dry-farmed vines without rainfall. Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines shared with Staff Writer Claire Nesbitt via Zoom that an unexpected factor saved the season: a 70 percent reduction in the Cape’s typically strong winds. This reduction alleviated water stress, allowing for earlier and more consistent grape ripening, which preserved freshness and acidity. Eben considers 2024 a “very good” vintage that defied the challenges. Watch the video for more details on his approach and the vintage’s outcome.

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