The South African wine industry has until Wednesday, 19 August, to nominate individuals for the 2027 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event honours, which recognise exceptional contributions to the country’s wine industry.
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Industry peers, organisations and anyone involved in or contributing to the industry are invited to nominate individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, dedication and service.
Five categories open for nominations
Nominations are open across five categories, covering leadership, winemaking, industry advancement, inclusivity and agricultural workers.
The 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership recognises contributions with lasting impact and a unique legacy.
The Viti- and Viniculture Category honours innovative ideas and methodologies advancing the winemaking industry.
The Wine Advancement Category recognises contributions that enhance the image and responsible use of wine and elevate the South African wine industry.
The Growing Inclusivity Category acknowledges efforts to eliminate barriers and contribute to a more inclusive industry.
The Wine Agri-Worker Category recognises agri-workers for their contributions to the sustainability and growth of the industry.
Celebrating SA wine heritage
The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event marks the harvest blessing and honours the birth of the South African wine industry, dating back to 2 February 1659, when the first wine was made from Cape grapes.
For decades, the event has recognised individuals whose work has contributed to the South African wine industry’s development and growth.
Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Dave Hughes, Spatz Sperling, Jan Scannell, Norma Ratcliff, Jan Boland Coetzee, Charles Back, Danie De Wet, Beyers Truter, Carmen Stevens, the Unsung Wine Workers, Ken Forrester, Tim Hutchinson and Johann Krige.
The Retief family of Van Loveren Vineyards received the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award at the 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event.
How to nominate
Nominations must be submitted through the official nomination form available on the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event website.
The honourees will be selected by an independent panel and announced at the 2027 event on Thursday, 4 February, at Groot Constantia Wine Estate in Cape Town.
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