The Chronicle
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62 results across all types
videoAI can control wine colour. But does that make better wine?
Can technology control wine? It can measure. It can track. It can even guide decisions with incredible precision. But wine doesn’t behave like a controlled system. In our latest Vinimark Podcast, we explore how tools like colour picking are helping winemakers understand and influence extraction in ways that weren’t possible before. But here’s the reality: Precision doesn’t mean control. And it definitely doesn’t mean standardisation. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we u
videoWhy South African Wine Farmers Are Different (No Safety Net, Just Precision)
What makes South African farmers different? In our Vinimark Podcast, we explored how the South African wine industry operates within a unique context, with both challenges and advantages in its approach to technology adoption and decision-making. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we unpack what that looks like in reality. No safety net. No second chances. Just decisions that have to work. And that is what shapes South African wine farming. Listen to the full podcast: http
videoWhat is a Vigneron? Why Farming Wine is Different to Growing Grapes
What does it really mean to farm wine, not just grapes? In our Vinimark Podcast on AI in the vineyards with Professor Carlos Poblete Echeverria, we explored how technology is helping us understand vineyards in more detail than ever before, from soil variability to real-time data and digital terroir. But understanding is only one part of the equation. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we explore the role of the vigneron and why human decision-making still defines the outco
videoSA Sommeliers Leading Change
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 som
videoAI Innovation in Viticulture
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, a
videoAI vs Instinct: Why Farmers Still Trust Gut Feel in the Vineyard
The term “AI” has been attached to almost every part of our lives… but have we taken the time to understand where it’s actually useful… and where it isn’t? AI cannot “sense” your vineyard. But it can make sense of your vineyard. AI can’t feel the soil, the heat, or water stress in your vines. But it can recognise patterns… and make recommendations. But farmers are still the ones making the decisions (and carrying the consequences). In our latest Vinimark Podcast, we explore how technology is hel
videoWhy South African Wine Farmers Are Different (No Safety Net, Just Precision)
What makes South African farmers different? In our Vinimark Podcast, we explored how the South African wine industry operates within a unique context, with both challenges and advantages in its approach to technology adoption and decision-making. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we unpack what that looks like in reality. No safety net. No second chances. Just decisions that have to work. And that is what shapes South African wine farming. Listen to the full podcast: https://youtube.com/shorts/iwkdY8JZc8I?feature=share #SouthAfricanWine #Farming #WineIndustry #AIInWine #Vinimark #WinePodcast This content forms part of the Vinimark Podcast series exploring AI in wine, digital viticulture, vineyard technology and the future of South African wine. From precision farming and data-driven insights to the role of human instinct in winemaking, we unpack how the industry is evolving.
videoWhat Happens When Wine Ages? Why Rosé Reveals the Truth Over Time
What happens when wine ages? In our Vinimark Podcast, we explored how better data and vineyard understanding can lead to better decisions and ultimately less intervention in the cellar. But the real test of those decisions comes later. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we look at how ageing reveals the true quality of a wine, and how structure and balance carry through over time. Because time exposes everything. Listen to the full podcast: https://youtube.com/shorts/iwkdY
videoWhat Happens When Wine Ages? Why Rosé Reveals the Truth Over Time
What happens when wine ages? In our Vinimark Podcast, we explored how better data and vineyard understanding can lead to better decisions and ultimately less intervention in the cellar. But the real test of those decisions comes later. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we look at how ageing reveals the true quality of a wine, and how structure and balance carry through over time. Because time exposes everything. Listen to the full podcast: https://youtube.com/shorts/iwkdY8JZc8I?feature=share #WineAging #RoseWine #WineQuality #SouthAfricanWine #WineEducation #Vinimark This content forms part of the Vinimark Podcast series exploring AI in wine, digital viticulture, vineyard technology and the future of South African wine. From precision farming and data-driven insights to the role of human instinct in winemaking, we unpack how the industry is evolving.
videoAI can control wine colour. But does that make better wine?
Can technology control wine? It can measure. It can track. It can even guide decisions with incredible precision. But wine doesn’t behave like a controlled system. In our latest Vinimark Podcast, we explore how tools like colour picking are helping winemakers understand and influence extraction in ways that weren’t possible before. But here’s the reality: Precision doesn’t mean control. And it definitely doesn’t mean standardisation. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we unpack why wine remains a product of multiple variables, many of which still sit outside the reach of technology. Because even with better tools…wine is never just one thing. Listen to the full podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvz8vquvV78
videoAI vs Instinct: Why Farmers Still Trust Gut Feel in the Vineyard
The term “AI” has been attached to almost every part of our lives… but have we taken the time to understand where it’s actually useful… and where it isn’t? AI cannot “sense” your vineyard. But it can make sense of your vineyard. AI can’t feel the soil, the heat, or water stress in your vines. But it can recognise patterns… and make recommendations. But farmers are still the ones making the decisions (and carrying the consequences). In our latest Vinimark Podcast, we explore how technology is helping farmers understand their vineyards in ways that weren’t possible before, from variability and water needs to real-time vineyard analysis. But we also explore where the data ends… and judgement begins. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we unpack what he calls “original intelligence”, the instinct, experience and human intent behind every meaningful decision in the vineyard and cellar. Because the real transformation isn’t from human to machine. It’s from gues
videoWhat is a Vigneron? Why Farming Wine is Different to Growing Grapes
What does it really mean to farm wine, not just grapes? In our Vinimark Podcast on AI in the vineyards with Professor Carlos Poblete Echeverria, we explored how technology is helping us understand vineyards in more detail than ever before, from soil variability to real-time data and digital terroir. But understanding is only one part of the equation. In this conversation with Pieter Carstens of Leeuwenkuil, we explore the role of the vigneron and why human decision-making still defines the outcome. Because terroir isn’t just soil. It’s the person behind the decisions. Listen to the full podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvz8vquvV78 #AIInWine #Vigneron #WineFarming #SouthAfricanWine #WinePodcast #Vinimark This content forms part of the Vinimark Podcast series exploring AI in wine, digital viticulture, vineyard technology and the future of South African wine. From precision farming and data-driven insights to the role of human instinct in winemaking, we unpack how the indust
videoSommerliers Leading Change with Mxolisi Mahatshi
Sommelier Mxolisi Mahatshi shares why Chenin Blanc is often his first recommendation, particularly for guests early in their wine journey. With a long history in South Africa and the ability to express many styles, Chenin Blanc offers an accessible and engaging way to explore wine. Mxolisi explains how a single grape can guide drinkers from simplicity to depth, fostering understanding and enjoyment along the way. Listen to the full Vinimark Sommelier Series podcast and hear why Chenin Blanc cont
videoSommeliers Leading Change with Erica Taylor #1
Sommelier Erica Taylor shares her perspective on the work SASA is doing — and the direction the organisation is taking as it continues to uplift South Africa’s wine and hospitality sector. From raising standards to developing young talent, SASA is helping shape the future of wine service in the country. Watch the full Vinimark x SASA podcast episode: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change #Vinimark #SASA #SouthAfricanWine #SommeliersSA #WineIndustry #Leadership
videoPinotage 100 Celebration with Praisy Dlamini | Pinotage with Purpose
From heritage and heart to artistry and innovation, the story of Pinotage now finds its purpose. In this final episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Praisy Dlamini, Managing Director of HER Wines, shares her vision of Pinotage as a force for storytelling, leadership, and social change. For Praisy, Pinotage is more than a grape; it’s a reflection of courage, representation, and progress. From empowering women across the wine value chain to crafting wines that carry both heritage and hop
videoSommeliers Leading Change with Armand Ridgard
In this clip, sommelier Armand Ridgard reflects on what truly defines a great sommelier. While passion and warmth can’t be taught, Armand explains why deep technical knowledge and competence are essential to earning trust and respect in the profession. From representing South African wine to the importance of continuous learning, his perspective highlights sommellerie as a craft that blends human connection with encyclopaedic knowledge. Listen to the full Vinimark Sa Sommeliers Leading Change po
videoSommeliers Leading Change with Armand Ridgard
In this clip, sommelier Armand Ridgard reflects on what truly defines a great sommelier. While passion and warmth can’t be taught, Armand explains why deep technical knowledge and competence are essential to earning trust and respect in the profession. From representing South African wine to the importance of continuous learning, his perspective highlights sommellerie as a craft that blends human connection with encyclopaedic knowledge. Listen to the full Vinimark Sa Sommeliers Leading Change podcast here: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change #Vinimark #SAWine #SommelierSeries #SommeliersSA #WineWithPurpose #FutureWine
videoSommeliers Leading Change with Erica Taylor #2
Why are South African wines gaining momentum in India? In this clip, sommelier Erica Taylor explains what sets SA wines apart, from exceptional value to their approachable, expressive style that competes confidently on the world stage. Watch the full Vinimark x SASA episode: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change #Vinimark #SASA #SouthAfricanWine #WineIndustry #SAWineExports #SommeliersSA #LeadingChange
videoSommerliers Leading Change with Gray Chikwape #1
Sommelier Grey Chikwape shares the wines capturing his attention at the moment, from expressive Chenin Blanc to the growing quality of Grenache and Cinsault. He also reflects on the uniqueness of South Africa’s Chenin–Semillon blends, a style that brings together two varieties that thrive here and create a sense of identity that’s hard to find elsewhere. His perspective offers a glimpse into how South African wine continues to evolve, shaped by varieties that are both rooted in our landscape and
videoSommerliers Leading Change with Mxolisi Mahatshi
Sommelier Mxolisi Mahatshi shares why Chenin Blanc is often his first recommendation, particularly for guests early in their wine journey. With a long history in South Africa and the ability to express many styles, Chenin Blanc offers an accessible and engaging way to explore wine. Mxolisi explains how a single grape can guide drinkers from simplicity to depth, fostering understanding and enjoyment along the way. Listen to the full Vinimark Sommelier Series podcast and hear why Chenin Blanc continues to matter. Full episode: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change
videoSommerliers Leading Change with Gray Chikwape #1
Sommelier Grey Chikwape shares the wines capturing his attention at the moment, from expressive Chenin Blanc to the growing quality of Grenache and Cinsault. He also reflects on the uniqueness of South Africa’s Chenin–Semillon blends, a style that brings together two varieties that thrive here and create a sense of identity that’s hard to find elsewhere. His perspective offers a glimpse into how South African wine continues to evolve, shaped by varieties that are both rooted in our landscape and full of future potential. Watch the full Vinimark x SASA podcast episode: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change #Vinimark #SASA #SAWine #SommeliersSA #WineIndustry #SouthAfricanWine #FutureWine #WineWithPurpose
videoSommeliers Leading Change with Erica Taylor #1
Sommelier Erica Taylor shares her perspective on the work SASA is doing — and the direction the organisation is taking as it continues to uplift South Africa’s wine and hospitality sector. From raising standards to developing young talent, SASA is helping shape the future of wine service in the country. Watch the full Vinimark x SASA podcast episode: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change #Vinimark #SASA #SouthAfricanWine #SommeliersSA #WineIndustry #Leadership
videoSommeliers Leading Change with Erica Taylor #2
Why are South African wines gaining momentum in India? In this clip, sommelier Erica Taylor explains what sets SA wines apart, from exceptional value to their approachable, expressive style that competes confidently on the world stage. Watch the full Vinimark x SASA episode: https://vinimark.co.za/podcasts/sa-sommeliers-leading-change #Vinimark #SASA #SouthAfricanWine #WineIndustry #SAWineExports #SommeliersSA #LeadingChange
videoPinotage 100 Celebration with Rüdiger Gretschel | The Art of Pinotage
Pinotage is more than a grape; it’s an art. In the fourth and final episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Rüdiger Gretschel, winemaker and owner of Swartberg Wines, shares his visionary approach to South Africa’s signature grape variety. From thoughtful terroir expression to blending craft with creativity, Rüdiger shows us how Pinotage can be elevated into something truly artful. This is the art of Pinotage. Join us as we celebrate 100 years of South Africa’s very own variety, a legacy