Raising a Toast to 366 Years of South African Wine with Groot Constantia

Cape Town Tourism
January 15, 2025
Eat & Drink
2 min Read

The annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event will take place on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at the historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate.

The event, which honours the origins of the South African wine industry and recognises the achievements of those who inspire new levels of excellence, will celebrate its 366^th year.

South Africa’s wine heritage is distinct, with the country tracing the origins of its wine industry in a diary entry dated February 2, 1659.

What to Expect at the Event

The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is a black-tie event that promises a night of elegance and reflection. Initiated by the Board of Groot Constantia, the event pays tribute and acknowledges achievements in the following categories: 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership, Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture.

For the first time, the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event will include the Wine Agri-Worker of the Year category, celebrating the invaluable contributions of vineyard, cellar, and farm workers who form the backbone of South Africa’s wine industry—an initiative in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards.

This year, the celebration promises to be an unforgettable evening, with performances by the internationally acclaimed Tygerberg Children’s Choir, conducted by Karina Erasmus. Guests will enjoy a night of music, camaraderie, and fine wine.

Wine Industry Evolution

CEO of Groot Constantia, Jean Naudé, said it was a privilege for South Africa’s oldest wine estate to organise and host the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event.

“This festive occasion celebrates the commitment of dedicated people over centuries towards the common goal of quality wine production. At the event, we honour the current leaders in their fields for carrying the tradition of dedication into the future,” he said.

Rico Basson, the CEO of South Africa Wine, reflects on the rich history and dynamic future of South African wine: “That first pressing of grapes at the Cape in 1659 was more than just the birth of our wine industry. It was the beginning of a story that would shape South Africa’s agricultural identity and global presence. Today, our wine industry represents world-class products and our people’s resilience, innovation, diversity and spirit.”

He added: “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. And a future focused on inclusivity and diversity heralds new heights for a proud industry.”