As the Robertson Valley begins the process of recovery following one of the most severe flood events the region has experienced in decades, with floodwaters exceeding the area’s 100-year flood line, a powerful spirit of community, resilience and support has emerged across the valley, with neighbours, businesses, farmers and families coming together to help one another through the devastation.
Among those affected is our Family Vineyards, where floodwaters from the Breede River swept through large sections of the property, reaching levels of nearly two meters throughout the winery and causing significant damage to warehousing facilities, vineyards, infrastructure and operational equipment.
Initial assessments indicate substantial losses to stock holdings, with an estimated 1.3 million bottles of wine, together with barrels and key production equipment, including filtration systems and solar battery infrastructure. Certain vineyards, irrigation systems and access roads were also affected, while the full extent of vineyard damage, including the number of hectares impacted, is still being assessed.
Amid the ongoing recovery efforts, our immediate priority remains the safety and well-being of our staff, their families and the broader community. Approximately 20 homes on and around the property, including employee, owner and rental residences, were affected by the flooding. Despite the challenges, we have moved swiftly to activate recovery measures and continuity plans to minimise disruption to customers and trade partners.
Importantly, wine stock reserved in tanks remains unaffected, not all stock holdings were impacted, and alternative warehouse facilities are operational and available to support short-term supply requirements. Urgent bottling and recovery plans are already underway, with teams working around the clock to restore operational continuity and rebuild stock levels as quickly and efficiently as possible.
While order loading, dispatch and shipment activities will unfortunately be delayed this week, a phased resumption of deliveries and exports is anticipated from next week onwards. Temporary supply pressure may occur on selected product lines while inventory is reallocated and assessments continue.
Phillip Retief, Managing Director, says the past few days have once again demonstrated the resilience and unity of the Robertson Valley community.
“While the flooding has brought significant challenges and loss to many across our region, it has also reminded us of the strength of this community and the willingness of people to stand together in difficult times. We have seen an incredible outpouring of support from our teams, neighbours, customers, retail and trade partners, and the broader community. Right now, our focus is on supporting one another, beginning the rebuilding process and restoring operations steadily and safely. Robertson is a resilient valley, and together we will get through this.”
Van Loveren Family Vineyards remains fully operational and committed to restoring normal business activities as quickly as possible, while continuing to keep consumers, trade partners and stakeholders informed as recovery efforts and assessments progress.
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