Photo: Dr Erna Blancquaert, 2023 honouree in the Viti- and Viniculture category; Carmen Stevens, 2022 recipient of the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership; Cathy Marston, 2024 honouree in the Wine Advancement category; Dawid Saayman, 2024 honouree in the Viti- and Viniculture category; Norma Ratcliff, 2015 recipient of the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership; Ilse Ruthford, 2024 honouree for Growing Inclusivity, Wendy Jonker, 2023 honouree in the Wine Advancement category. Back left to right: Rydal Jeftha, 2023 honouree for Growing Inclusivity; Jan Scannell, 2014 recipient of the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership; Ken Forrester, 2023 recipient of the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership; and Tim Hutchinson, 2024 recipient of the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership.
The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event Marks the Start of South Africa’s Harvest Season
The 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event returns on Thursday, 5 February 2026, inviting the public to experience one of the most meaningful traditions in South African wine. Hosted at Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, the evening marks an important national milestone: 367 years since the first recorded wine was made from Cape grapes on 2 February 1659.
2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event
The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is the official kick-off to the harvest season. It’s the event where the journey of the South African wine industry, from local vineyards to glasses around the world, is celebrated with pride. Each year, this grand gathering pays tribute to the people, passion, and progress behind our wine heritage.
The event unfolds across Groot Constantia’s lawns and iconic Cape Dutch buildings, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views. Guests can expect an elegant, black-tie celebration with beautifully decorated tables, twinkling lights, top-class wines, live entertainment, and the highlight of the night, the traditional blessing of the new harvest. It is a rare opportunity to share an evening with winemakers, cellar teams, sommeliers, and peers from across the industry, all gathered to honour the beginning of a new season.
At the centre of the night is a moment that defines the event and captures the heart and spirit of South African wine, when exceptional contributors to the industry are honoured for their achievements. Each year, individuals and organisations are recognised in five prestigious categories, representing the pillars that sustain the South African wine industry: 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership, Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, Viti- and Viniculture, and recognition of the Wine Agri-Worker.
Can’t make the event? You can still join in spirit! Celebrate at home by hosting your own harvest gathering, bring together friends, family, and your favourite South African wines. Raise a glass, share a meal, and toast to the journey of South African wine.
South Africa’s wine industry evolution
“Each harvest is a reminder of how far we’ve come as an industry,” says Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia. This event is a moment to come together, reflect on the shared journey, and celebrate the passion and collaboration that continue to move South African wine forward.
The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is made possible through the generous support of Groot Constantia, and platinum partner Standard Bank, alongside sponsor partners Air France-KLM, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Wine, Die Burger, Seabourne Logistics, SmileFM, and Vinpro.
The 367th anniversary of South African wine
“Wine is ultimately a story of people, place and patience. Our relationship with the South African wine industry is built on the same principles, long-term partnership and shared ambition. At Standard Bank, we stand alongside farmers and winemakers, helping them finance the next season, invest in the next innovation and build businesses that outlast any single harvest,” says Karel-Günther Jordaan: Regional Agribusiness Manager: Western and Eastern Cape Province: Standard Bank.
Visit www.sawineharvest.co.za for more details, and follow @sawineharvest on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube. Join the conversation and share your love for South African wine using #HappyBirthdaySAWine.
The 367th anniversary of South African wine
Embrace the official kick-off to the grape harvest season! This special time of year calls for gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter and celebrating the heart and spirit of South Africa’s wine community. @SAWineHarvest #HappyBirthdaySAWine