This coming February, South Africa will celebrate the most significant event on its wine calendar: commemorating the wine industry’s birthday by celebrating the 365th South African grape wine harvest.
On 2 February 1659, Jan van Riebeeck entered into his diary that, “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” The timeless words mark the birth of the wine industry in South Africa – an event still celebrated on that day each year when the business community, wine producers, social sippers, connoisseurs, restaurateurs, collectors and retail outlets countrywide celebrate the start of the country’s wine harvest celebrations.
The South African wine industry invites everyone to raise their glasses on 2 February 2024 in tribute to South Africa’s rich wine heritage.
The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event
This much-anticipated iconic annual event, which takes place on 1 February 2024, marks the momentous occasion of the birth of South African wine and pays tribute to the country’s rich wine heritage, whilst calling for a blessing on the new harvest.
Hosted at Groot Constantia under the pediment of the historic Cloete Cellar, the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, importantly, pays tribute to the individuals and organisations who have made extraordinary strides towards the ongoing success of South African wine – and over the years, many greats have been recognised, including the likes of Nelson Mandela.
The categories under which the wine legends are recognised include Visionary Leadership (with the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award), Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture.
Wine Harvest Commemorative Event TICKETS cost R1150 (Inclusive of VAT) per person. This prestigious black tie event includes a sit down dinner with entertainment.
Toast our natural diversity
Protecting the country’s abundant biodiversity is a universal priority. South African wine producers big and small, from coast to coast, are keenly aware that they are guardians of the land upon which they ply their trade.
South Africa’s varied and much-loved natural floral kingdoms deserve appreciation, as 95% of its wine growing takes place in the unique habitat of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Maintaining a balance between nature and farming is essential and makes South Africa unique when it comes to wines of origin and wine-growing terroirs, which are the heart and soul of South Africa’s wine industry and eloquently express the extraordinary wealth of the country’s wines.
Get set to celebrate
Don’t miss out! Add Thursday 2 February 2023 to your diary, look out for SA wine birthday events across South Africa, and join in the celebration of South Africa’s lasting wine legacy throughout the month!
To join the celebration virtually, follow the link www.sawineharvest.co.za on 2 February 2024 and raise your glass of – and to – South African wine!
Share your special celebratory events of the SA Wine Birthday on social media with @sawineharvest using the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySAwine, #sawineharvest2024.