Vintners in South African have been baffled during the COVID-19 pandemic, with their nation’s rules changing by the day. They understand the need to protect health but they worry that rules banning all wine sales and exports will lead to bankruptcies.
The ban on exports is especially frustrating. Originally,the government made an exemption for exports. However, there have been obstacles. “They say that we can export, but all the government offices that issue our export documents and do inspections are on lockdown,” said a vintner.
On April 16, the government rescinded the exemption on wine exports, once again stopping all sales.
