The South African wine industry is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone in 2024: the 365th anniversary of its first wine production. This historic event dates back to 2 February 1659, as recorded in a diary entry that read, “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” This remarkable legacy makes the upcoming 365th anniversary a momentous occasion for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The highlight of this celebration is the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, scheduled for 1 February 2024. Held at the historic Groot Constantia estate, under the pediment of the Cloete Cellar, the event honours the birth of South African wine and its rich heritage. The event pays tribute to individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the success of South African wine, recognizing achievements in various categories including Visionary Leadership, Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture.
An integral part of the celebration is the blessing of the harvest, a tradition observed globally. This ceremony expresses gratitude for past harvests and seeks protection for the upcoming ones. In South Africa, the wine industry emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between agriculture and nature, ensuring sustainable growth and biodiversity preservation.
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Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, highlights the significance of the event in acknowledging the industry’s achievements and inspiring hope across the entire wine value chain. He points out the industry’s extensive impact, with over 269,096 direct and indirect employment and an additional 36,406 jobs in wine tourism. The industry’s growth is further evidenced by the export of 368.5 million litres of wine in 2022. Currently, more than 2,487 farmers cultivate about 89,384 hectares under vines, committed to conservation and sustainable farming practices.
Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, invites the wine industry, tourism sector, and partners both locally and internationally to participate in celebrating this historic event. The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is not only a tribute to the origins of South African wine, but also a testament to the nation’s enduring vinicultural legacy.
Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia, expresses enthusiasm for hosting the prestigious event, a tradition for the estate. The South African wine industry invites everyone to join in the celebration of this lasting wine legacy on 2 February 2024.
