On Tuesday 2 February 2021, the South African Wine Industry commemorates the first vintage on South African soil 362 years ago on the same day in 1659, as recorded by Jan van Riebeeck in his diary.

This event involves three aspects, namely the Blessing of the Harvest, the commemoration of the wine industry’s 362nd year of existence, and the honouring of role players. Every year a wine icon or institution receives the special 1659 Visionary Leadership Award for his or her or their contribution to the industry. Three new awards will also be introduced this year as part of the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event. Numerous people make invaluable contributions to the advancement of the wine industry. The goal with these three new awards is to broaden the pool of recognition. These awards cover the categories Diversity and Transformation; Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement; as well as Viticulture and Wine Creation.

The virtual event takes place on Tuesday 2 February 2021 at 19:00. The programme includes performances by the internationally acclaimed opera singers and sisters Pretty and Nombulelo Yende.