Grape was founded as a print magazine in 1999 by a small group of winelovers and winewriters, as a positive reaction against the state of South African wine journalism. We found it so depressing: the domination of the local wine press by big wine business interests, or by the more insidious pressures of advertisers.

Grape was determined to be totally independent of such influences. There would be no advertisements – let alone advertorials! – and the magazine (quarterly and very un-glossy) would have to be carried by subscriptions and sales. This was hardly a recipe for making money, so all the staff of Grape and all who have contributed to the magazine and website over the years have done so without any financial reward.

Although the magazine grew to be respected both locally and internationally, it was never going to be viable, and in mid 2005 we took the hard decision to abandon the magazine, and concentrate on this website, which we have been developing seriously since 2004.

Our focus

South African wine and wine-issues continue to be our focus, but we have always strive to ensure that we bring an understanding and appreciation of the international context.

The core team of Grape has changed a little over our five years. Philip van Zyl left to concentrate on the enormous job of editing the annual Platter Wine Guide. Editor Tim James and Manager Cathy van Zyl have been joined by Angela Lloyd

Principles 

The principle of rigorous independence that Grape became known for apply to this website. Any wine or winery enthused about is here only because we think it should be – not because anyone has paid us to include it.

^{The Grape team}

Many of South Africa's finest wine writers and tasters have contributed to Grape over the years, but we have a small permanent editorial and managerial team, based in and around Cape Town:

• Tim James – Editor
• Cathy van Zyl – Manager
• Melvyn Minnaar – News Editor
• Angela Lloyd – Associate Editor

Tim James's wine writing career dates back to 1996 when he won SA Wine magazine's inaugural 'New wine writer of the year' competition. Apart from his involvement in writing and judging (he is a regular taster for the Platter Wine Guide, for example), he has lectured on international topics for the Cape Wine Academy, and became a Cape Wine Master in 1999. Jancis Robinson has called him ‘South Africa’s wine controversialist’ and says he is ‘just what the South African wine industry needs’.

Cathy van Zyl is increasing her reputation as a wine expert. In late 2005 she become the country's first Master of Wine to have qualified from within South Africa (as opposed to studying for the prestigious qualification abroad). She judges at various venues - including the Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show and the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award  and tastes wines for the Platter Guide.

Melvyn Minnaar is a well-known journalist who writes about art as well as food and wine issues.

Angela Lloyd has freelanced as an independent wine writer since 1985, during which time she has been commissioned by all the major South African wine magazines, various newspapers and journals, as well as international publications, and was co-author of The South African Cellar Book. She is also a  seasoned judge, having an 18-year association with the Platter Wine Guide and experience on a variety of major local shows, tasting panels as well as international events. Widely travelled, she has lectured on international topics for the Cape Wine Academy.

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