The company said Europe, Mexico and South Africa had led the sales decline, while its large Vietnam market fared better.

There were long queues at many stores and at just after 4pm on Monday afternoon the queue at Ultra Liquors in Wynberg was about 60 metres long.

Wine exports were prohibited for five weeks during the strict national lockdown under level 5.

Woodstock Brewery is now packed with potatoes, carrot and butternut squash, one of several craft beer makers to have ditched barely and malt for the time being.

With the country now under level 4 of the lockdown and government doing all it can to ensure that the spread of the novel coronavirus is contained, it has been struggling to address the high volumes o

Governments have closed restaurants and bars worldwide, banned sporting events and urged people to remain home to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Wine sales in South Africa dropped by around 10 million bottles last year.

Officials say at least four men tied up security guards in the early hours of this morning before breaking into the liquor store and stealing bottles of alcohol.

As a result, one lane is open to traffic.

The Springboks and Rassie Erasmus, who were also honoured at the World Rugby Awards last month, have been nominated in the prestigious Team and Coach of the Year categories.