WHY are we celebrating the 2nd of February?

South Africa is the only country in the world that can accurately pinpoint the exact date of origin of its wine industry, thanks to Jan van Riebeeck’s diary entry on 2 February 1659, which read: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes”.

WHAT is the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event?

The 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event will be hosted at Groot Constantia on Thursday, 5 February to mark the official birthday of the SA wine industry in 1659. The Event also serves as a blessing of the new harvest and the South African wine industry pays official tribute to, and honours, role players for their ground-breaking contributions.

On Thursday, 5 February 2026, at the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, the 2026 recipients will be announced.

HOW do I get involved?

HOW do I get involved?     The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is now calling on all in the industry to nominate potential candidates to be considered for recognition in the following five categories, according to the set criteria:   THE 1659 AWARD FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP The person or institution who receives recognition in the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership should have made an essential contribution towards the industry, of which there must be substantial evidence. The industry (or a specific aspect thereof) must have been influenced positively by it and must have a lasting impact with all indications of a special legacy. It must be worthy of praise and significantly changed people’s thinking and/or lives. There must be clear indications of intellectual conceptualising the idea, which must be creative, innovative, unique, and proven in practice. It should encourage and inspire others in the industry to do the same or even better.   Make your nomination today by completing the template here   VITI- AND VINICULTURE CATEGORY The person or institution who receives recognition in the Viticulture and Viniculture Category should have developed new ideas, technologies and methods within the wine-making industry, implementing and transferring these ideas and methodologies, changing mindsets, and benefitting the South African wine industry overall.   Make your nomination today by completing the template here   WINE ADVANCEMENT CATEGORY The person or institution who receives recognition in the Wine Advancement Category should have made noticeable contributions towards the image of wine and the responsible use of it, as well as building the image of the South African wine industry as a whole through their width of reach.   Make your nomination today by completing the template here   GROWING INCLUSIVITY CATEGORY The person or institution who receives recognition in the Growing Inclusivity Category should go to a recipient who has set an inspirational example, paving the way for others through the elimination of barriers, contributing to the knowledge that others can use, and having an overall effect on the image of the South African wine industry.   Make your nomination today by completing the template here   WINE AGRI-WORKER The person who receives recognition in the Wine Agri-Worker Category should have proven that he/she embodies exemplary inspiration. This person’s passion and love for wine symbolise the wider agri-worker community. This category acknowledges and honours the essential contributions of agri-workers to the sustainability and growth of the wine industry, thereby supporting South Africa’s economy. This category is adjudicated by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.   Click here to email your submission   Over the years, numerous luminaries have been recognised, including Nelson Mandela, Unsung Wine Workers, Norma Ratcliffe, Beyers Truter, Charles Back, Carmen Stevens, Ken Forrester and Tim Hutchinson. In 2025, Johann Krige, Praisy Dlamini, Bennie Howard, Jan Booysen, and Marcus Lewis were also added to this noteworthy list.  Please Note: Nominations received will be kept on record and could be used again for future consideration if not successful in the specific year of nomination. Wine Harvest Commemorative Event engages the hearts and minds of people in the local wine industry and everyone passionate about South African wine – thank you for your support!   THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS 1 JULY 2025 Send your nominations to nominate@sawineharvest.co.za.