The potential of this union lies in its ability to create synergies among the BRICS nations and their partner countries, many of which have well-developed winemaking industries, Alexey Plotnikov, Executive Director of the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Russia tells Sputnik Africa.
Plotnikov explains that the key goals include streamlining customs procedures, reducing logistical costs, and fostering collaborative scientific research.
“The main idea is just to analyze whether we have the opportunity to standardize our requirements for winemaking. If we could decrease our requirements in terms of customs clearance, decrease some logistics costs for the winemakers in BRICS countries, and maybe if we can provide some mutual scientific work for our scientists, who are currently working separately in each BRICS country,” he states.
To achieve this, Plotnikov suggests that the standards for a potential BRICS wine union could be modeled on the International Vine and Wine Organization [OIV] guidelines, which Russia adopted five years ago. This framework ensures quality control, starting from vineyard management to the final product on shelves.
“If our partners in the BRICS union are willing to establish the same approach for the control of grapes and bottles, we can discuss easing the customs process, lowering logistics costs, and improving access to each other's markets,” he adds.
Caroline Ngwenya, founder and CEO of The High Cellar and Majesty Wines, echoes the importance of such a union but brings a South African perspective to the discussion. She highlights that the primary objective of the BRICS wine union would be to promote collaboration, streamline production and trade, and elevate the reputation of wines from these regions on the global stage.
“The main objective of such a wine union would likely be to foster collaboration among members and promote production, marketing, and trade, bringing wines from these countries the respect they deserve globally,” Ngwenya explains.
The South African stresses the unique advantages South Africa could contribute, pointing to its centuries-old winemaking tradition, internationally acclaimed wines, and advanced infrastructure.
“South Africa offers sustainable vinicultural practices, a robust tourism industry, and the capacity to share knowledge and drive global success for BRICS wines. We are positioned to play a key role in this union,” she says confidently.
Both speakers also touched on the broader significance of BRICS collaboration. Ngwenya talks about the geopolitical motivations behind the BRICS framework, emphasizing its mission to reduce dependence on Western-dominated systems.
“The whole point of BRICS was to tip the scales and shift the power from the West and the [US] dollar. This applies to wine and other industries. Let’s share ideas, create our own economy, and ensure sustainability,” she remarks.
She concludes with a strong appeal for investment in Africa, highlighting its abundance of natural resources and potential for growth. “Africa is where everything is; in the soil, the ground, the people, and the weather. If you want sustainability and longevity, you need to invest in Africa”. Plotnikov, meanwhile, ended on a poetic note, describing wine as a universal symbol of connection and discovery. “This is a product of the sun, heating our planet. Let such a beautiful thing as wine become the source of new meetings, discussions, and solutions to problems that seem unsolvable today.”
To find out what else the speakers had to say, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
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