The Annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event Returns to Groot Constantia

The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is an annual celebration that spotlights both the anniversary of South African wine and the incredible innovation in our local wine industry. The event also marks the start of harvest season in the wine industry. This year’s edition is a black-tie affair taking place on 6 February 2025 at Groot Constantia wine farm and promises a night of elegance and fine wine.

The initiative is organised and hosted by the Board at Groot Constantia wine farm in collaboration with a host of partners. South Africa Wine, one of the partners, is a non-profit company that provides critical support services to the players within the wine and brandy industry value chain.

“Today, our wine industry represents world-class products and our people’s resilience, innovation, diversity and spirit,” says Rico Basson, CEO of South African Wine. “Since the inception of our industry 366 years ago, we have made more than just wine, we’ve grown communities, preserved traditions, and consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence.”

The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is celebrating 366 Years of South African Wine

South Africa’s wine heritage is unique, with the country able to pinpoint the exact beginning of its wine industry. Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape, planted a vineyard in 1655, and in a diary entry dated 2 February 1659: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” This year marks the 366th anniversary of South African wine.

Today the wine industry is a key economic and tourism driver, with 20 wine routes to explore in the Western Cape alone.

Here are the 2025 categories for the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event

This year’s event will once again honour leaders in the local wine industry who carry the tradition and dedication to quality wine production into the future. For the first time, the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event will include the Wine Agri-Worker category to celebrate the invaluable contributions of vineyard, cellar, and farm workers who form the backbone of South Africa’s wine industry.

The event pays tribute and bestows recognition in the following categories:

1659 Award for Visionary Leadership
Recognition for Growing Inclusivity
Wine Advancement
Recognition for Viti- and Viniculture
Wine Agri-Worker

What’s on the evening programme

This year’s celebration features performances by the internationally acclaimed Tygerberg Children’s Choir under the guidance of conductor, Karina Erasmus.

The dress code is strictly black tie and guests can look forward to a night of music, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for one of South Africa’s most cherished industries. A sit-down dinner with some of the country’s top wines will also be served.