The iconic and historic Groot Constantia wine estate served as the backdrop for a wine harvest commemorative event where farmers, workers, businesses, and wine enthusiasts came together to honour five individuals in the South African wine industry for their significant contributions.

This annual social gathering has become a highlight for the crème de la crème of the wine industry and friends, celebrating the 366th anniversary of when wine was first pressed in the country from Cape grapes.

“We are delighted to, once again, host the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event at Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa. As we celebrate the birthday of the South African wine industry and bless this year’s harvest at the event, we also honour individuals and organisations who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry.

The honourees with others in wine industry at the the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event

“This year’s honourees reflect the strength of the SA wine industry and showcase the resilience and adaptability of South African wine in a very competitive global market,” said Clifford van der Venter, chairman of the Groot Constantia Trust. “The occasion represents not only the culmination of hard work and dedication but also a celebration of the vibrant community that defines our wine heritage.”

Inside an elaborate marquee tent, guests were entertained by the delightful sounds of the Tygerberg Children’s Choir, after which the names of the winners of various awards were announced. Johann Krige, who runs the family wine business Kanonkop, received the 1659 award for Visionary Leadership. He joined an illustrious list of previous recipients that includes Anton Rupert, Genl. J.C. Smuts, and Nelson Mandela. Krige was lauded for his pioneering efforts to elevate Pinotage as a distinguished South African wine on the global stage. Beyond his winemaking expertise, he has served on boards such as Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Wines of South Africa, and SAWIS.

Praisy Dlamini received the Growing Inclusivity award for her leadership and dedication to promoting inclusivity and growing the Adama Wines label into a beacon of diversity. Dlamini, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, became the first woman Protégé of the Cape Winemakers Guild and was commended for her commitment to breaking barriers of gender, race, and socio-economic status.

Bennie Howard, a legend in the wine industry, was honoured with the Wine Advancement award for his decades-long commitment to the South African wine industry. “As an influential wine judge, Cape Wine Master, and vice-chair of the SA National Wine Show Association, Howard has crucially enhanced the industry's global reputation through education, competitions, and cultural promotions.”

Jan Booysen from Winetech received the Viti- and Viniculture award and was recognised for his innovative approaches that have significantly influenced the wine industry. “With expertise honed through roles at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Booysen has advanced research, technology, and training in viticulture.”

Marcus Lewis, cellar foreman at Kanonkop wine estate, was awarded the Wine Agri-Worker award. Lewis was selected by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture as part of their annual Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards competition as the inaugural Wine Agri-Worker.

“The initiative honours the invaluable efforts of vineyard, cellar, and farm workers, who are instrumental to the success of South Africa’s wine industry. His career includes over a decade of accomplishments and technical expertise, with highlights including being selected for the Burgundy France Cellar Worker Exchange Programme in 2015, winning the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards in the Stellenbosch Region three times in 2018, 2019, and 2024, and ongoing contributions to cellar operations, harvest management, and staff training,.”

Weekend Argus