The Facts

The Environmental Evaluation Unit (EEU) of the University of Cape Town (UCT) reports that:

Hand harvesting is more environmentally sound method of harvesting that mechanical harvesting. Mechanical harvesters use vibration to shake the grapes from their stalks. This action dislodges insects and reptiles, which are then included in the harvest. Of particular concern is the killing of indeterminate numbers of Cape Dwarf Chameleons by mechanical harvesting.

(Burger, L. et al. (1999) ‘Implementing an Environmental Management System at Spier Wine Farm and Winery: Initial Feasibility Study and Environmental Review.’ Environmental Evaluation Unit Report No. 1/99/182. Page 38)

The Mechanical Grape Harvester is a tractor like machine that operates by straddling the vine and shaking the grapes off the vine. These machines can harvest up to ten tons in an hour. It uses a vacuum to suck bunches of grapes into large containers. These containers can then be removed from the machine and replaced with empty ones. This process is far faster than hand harvesting and employs far less people.

Once the containers are full they are transported to a factory where they pass through a metal destalking screw, this separates the grape bunches into individual grapes and the stalks. This screw also separates large foreign material from the grapes. It is during this process that the majority of the wildlife living on the vine is killed although some will already have been killed during harvesting.