(Wine.Co.Za) - The South African wine grape harvest may be significantly smaller, due to the decreasing effect of searing heat and drought throughout the season. This according to a harvest estimate by the industry in the second week of January.

“Larger crops than in 2015 are expected in the Orange River and Klein Karoo, while the other wine grape producing regions all predict a decrease to a greater or smaller extent,” said Francois Viljoen, manager of the VinPro Consultation Service.

The heat and drought bring about lighter bunches and smaller berries – even in areas where producers have access to sufficient irrigation water.

On the upside, the vineyards and grapes are very healthy. The smaller berries may also lead to good quality due to concentrated flavour and colour, should the berries ripen at an optimal level.

The negative effects of the hot, dry weather could escalate even further should the conditions continue and wine producers not be able to provide vineyards with the necessary water.