The Vinimark Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, Jono sits down with Professor Carlos Poblete Echeverria to explore how AI is reshaping the future of viticulture. From electrical conductivity sensors that map soil variability to smartphone tools that detect leaf roll virus in real time, the conversation unpacks how data-led farming is changing how wine is grown and made.

They delve into why better data in the vineyard means less intervention in the cellar, how AI is opening the door to more precise and expressive winemaking, and why the next generation of producers will be defined not just by their tools, but by how well they understand and use their data.

In this episode of The Vinimark Podcast, we sit down with four leading voices from the South African Sommelier Association following their recent Western Cape tour. From Johannesburg to Bloemfontein and beyond, they share what it means to deliver truly memorable service, where knowledge meets warmth, and culture shapes every interaction.

Their conversation uncovers the evolving world of South African hospitality: one defined not by pretence, but by people, place, and passion. Together, these sommeliers remind us that excellent service isn't just about what's in the glass; it's about the meaning poured into it.

In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we explore the future of grape farming in the South African Winelands and discuss how vignerons can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and drought. Our guest, viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht, founder of Visual Viticulture and consultant to esteemed producers like Eben Sadie and Weltevreden, offers insights on strategies for future-proofing the wine industry. Jaco is also a key member of The Horsemen Wines team, a winemaking project that focuses on cultivating grape varietals that are better suited for the "apocalyptic times" brought on by climate change.

Following on from a successful CapeWine 2022, we met up with Wines of South Africa CEO, Siobhan Thompson, to unpack the strategy behind its theme of "Sustainability 360". Siobhan also shares some of her thoughts on the challenges facing South African wine on a global scale and gives her insight on the areas in which South African wine can grow and shine. 

Just moments before the historic Tim Atkin 95+ point wine tasting in Cape Town, Jono got to sit down with Tim Atkin to discuss a full decade of Tim's South African Wine Reports. 

This podcast includes Tim's highlights of the year, and what excites him for the future of South African wine. Points discussed in this episode include the state of South African wine in global markets, the future of Syrah in the country, and the need for vignerons to begin future-proofing against climate change. 

In July 2022, Vinimark gathered a panel of some of South Africa's pioneering black wine marketers, distributors and retailers to discuss the expectations and needs of black wine drinkers versus what wine marketers and retailers are actually delivering. The conversation highlighted significant challenges, but also clear opportunities for producers who are willing to take the time to build consumer trust the old-fashioned way.

And so it is that Vinimark is following up that earlier conversation by chatting to Thapelo Mokoena to try and answer those questions.

Thapelo is the co-owner of the Nero wine brand, which is a joint venture between Bosman Family Vineyards (South Africa's largest Fairtrade producer) and Bakoena Brands - Thapelo's own stable of food and hospitality businesses. Thapelo is not only a wine brand owner, but also a restaurateur, film actor, and TV producer.

In the run-up to Cape Wine 2022, and its theme of Sustainability 360, we spoke to author Jamie Goode about the concept of Regenerative Viticulture. We were keen to know how to measure sustainability, how carbon content affects soil health, and whether improved soil health might adversely affect wine quality. 

Jamie came back with some interesting answers and also gave us a sneak peak into some of the hot topics covered in his upcoming book, "The New Viticulture", which offers a far more in-depth and technically detailed framework for the future of viticulture in a fast-changing planet.

Wine geeks, assemble! In our latest podcast episode titled Yeasts, Thiols and their effect on wine flavour development, we have a fascinating contribution from Dr Carien Coetzee, the founder of Basic Wine. Carien is a doctor of Agricultural Oenology, as well as an international wine judge for the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon. It's all in an afternoon's work for her as she effortlessly unpacks some of the science behind thiol-boosting yeasts, and explains how yeast nutrients can modulate flavour during fermentation. She also discusses some exciting discoveries and innovations that are opening up new possibilities for winemakers.

In our latest podcast episode titled Future-Focussed Wine Brands, Jono speaks to Lulie Halstead, CEO of Wine Intelligence about her incredibly useful framework for helping wine producers and brands be more future-focussed, and strategically position themselves for maximum commercial success during the decade heading up to 2030.

She identified six elements: Awareness / Availability / Accountability / An accommodating mindset / Affluence and Adaptability. It's been four years since Lulie shared this framework and with CAPEWINE2022 just around the corner, it felt like a good time to take stock of her Six A's, to see how they're holding up.

In this Vinimark podcast episode titled The Fine Wine Debate, we speak to CEO of the Areni Global Institute, Pauline Vicard, about her wine industry study: "The Future of the Fine Wine Consumer".

Together we try to figure out where South Africa's top-tier wines fit into the global picture of fine wine. We grapple with what the term "fine wine" actually means, and explore how a "nice wine" may be different to a "good wine". Pauline shares her own thoughts on the definition, as well as what global wine critics and industry professionals deem of utmost importance when distinguishing "fine wine" from everything else.