Nominations Open for 2027 South African Wine Industry Honours

Nominations Open for 2027 South African Wine Industry Honours. The organisers of the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event have officially opened nominations for the 2027 Wine Harvest Honours, inviting the South African wine industry to recognise individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to the sector.

The annual awards celebrate achievements across the wine value chain, highlighting leadership, innovation, inclusivity and the people who continue to shape the country’s wine industry. Nominations will remain open until 3 August 2026.

The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event marks the beginning of South Africa’s wine harvest season while commemorating an important milestone in the country’s history. It recognises 2 February 1659, when the first wine made from Cape grapes was officially recorded, an event widely regarded as the birth of South Africa’s wine industry.

Hosted each year at Groot Constantia Wine Estate in Cape Town, the event celebrates the industry’s heritage while honouring individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen and advance South African wine.

The 2027 honours feature five award categories, each recognising excellence in a different area of the industry.

The 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership recognises individuals whose leadership has created a lasting legacy within the wine sector. The Viti- and Viniculture Award honours innovation and new approaches that contribute to grape growing and winemaking.

The Wine Advancement Award recognises those who have helped enhance the reputation of South African wine while promoting its responsible enjoyment. The Growing Inclusivity Award celebrates initiatives and individuals working to remove barriers and build a more inclusive wine industry. The Wine Agri-Worker Award acknowledges the important role played by agricultural workers in supporting the industry’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Previous recipients of the Wine Harvest Honours include former South African President Nelson Mandela, Norma Ratcliffe and Unsung Wine Workers. The 2026 recipients were the Retief family of Van Loveren, Denzel Swarts, Pieter Ferreira, Charl Theron and Wilfred Fortuin.

According to the organisers, all nominations will be assessed by an independent judging panel. Successful nominees will be announced during the 2027 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 4 February 2027, at Groot Constantia Wine Estate.

Individuals wishing to nominate someone can complete the official nomination form available on the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event website.

Nominations can be submitted online at https://sawineharvest.co.za/call-for-nominations/ before the closing date of 3 August 2026.