South Africa is celebrating 363 years of wine heritage on Wednesday 2 February 2022. The annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is taking place and is free and open for all to attend.
South Africa is the only country in the world that can accurately pinpoint the 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”
Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia says: “This occasion has become a significant and truly memorable day for both wine appreciators and winemakers. It honours the birth of the wine industry in South Africa, it asks for a blessing on the new harvest, and pays tribute to the trailblazers in the industry.”
This annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is free and open for all to attend and can be accessed on the day through a virtual link at www.sawineharvest.co.za.
During the event, the wine industry gives due recognition to individuals for their exceptional contribution in the following categories:
- Visionary Leadership (1659 Visionary Leadership Award)
- Diversity and Transformation
- Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement
- Viticulture and Wine Creation
This ceremony has been hosted since 1974 to honour individuals who have made great strides in the industry. Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Unsung Wine Workers, Norma Ratcliffe, Beyers Truter and Charles Back.
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The blessing of the 2022 harvest will take place in the vineyards of Groot Constantia by Rev Desmond Meyer of the Uniting Reformed Church Koelenhof.
“We encourage you to support participating wineries in their harvest festivities by sharing your news, stories and enjoying a glass of South African wine on Wednesday 2 February 2022.
A case of exceptional South African wines can be won courtesy of wine.co.za when you post on social media using the hashtag #sawineharvest2022,” adds Naudé.
EVENT DETAILS SUMMARY:
Event Name: Wine Harvest Commemorative Event – Celebrate 363 years of the South African Wine Industry
Start date and end date: 2 February 2022, 20:00
Venue: free access to online virtual event
Website: www.sawineharvest.co.za
