In 1974, the Board of Directors of the Groot Constantia Trust established the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event to honour and recognise wine’s contribution to the Western Cape’s economic sector.

Now in its 48th year, this non-profit company continues to spearhead the event on 2 February, which marks the official birthdate of South African wine, and serves as a ceremonial blessing of the new harvest.

Groot Constantia plays host to this glitzy affair, attended by the who’s who of SA wine. The evening reaches pinnacle when the prestigious 1659 Visionary Leadership Awards are bestowed upon the trailblazers of our industry.

We’re calling on the industry to nominate candidates to be considered for these esteemed awards.

Transparency throughout the selection process is ensured by a thorough and stringent deliberation process by the Groot Constantia Board of Directors. Nominations will be accepted online at [email protected]

Categories and past recipients

In 2021, the acknowledgment was given to Beyers Truter in the Visionary Leadership category, Ntsiki Biyela in the Diversity and Transformation category, Michael Fridjhon in the Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement category and Johan Reyneke in the Viticulture and Wine Creation category.

Previous recipients of recognition include Nelson Mandela (2003), Spatz Sperling (2012), Norma Ratcliffe (2015), the Unsung Wine Workers (2018), Prof Piet Goussard (2019) and Jan Boland Coetzee (2020).

View the 2021 event here.

Appreciation of trailblazers within the SA wine industry is expressed through recognition to individuals and institutions in four categories:

  • Visionary Leadership
  • Viticulture And Wine Creation
  • Wine Appreciation And Wine Advancement
  • Diversity And Transformation

Watch the full video of the 2020 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event:

THE 1659 VISIONARY LEADERSHIP CATEGORY

The person or institution who receives recognition in the 1659 Visionary Leadership category should have made an essential contribution towards the industry, of which there must be substantial evidence. The industry (or a specific aspect thereof) must have been influenced positively by it and must have a lasting impact with all indications of a special legacy. It must be worthy of praise and significantly changed the thinking and/or lives of people. There must be clear indications of intellectual conceptualising the idea which must be creative, innovative and unique and already been proved in practise. It should encourage and inspire others in the industry to do the same or even better.

VITICULTURE AND WINE CREATION CATEGORY

The person or institution who receives recognition in the Viticulture and Wine Creation Category should have developed new ideas, technologies and methods within the wine-making industry, implementing and transferring these ideas and methodologies, changing mindsets, and benefitting the South African wine industry overall.

WINE APPRECIATION AND WINE ADVANCEMENT CATEGORY

The person or institution who receives recognition in the Wine Appreciation & Wine Advancement Category should have made noticeable contributions towards the image of wine, and the responsible use of it, as well as building the image of the South African wine industry as a whole through their width of reach.

DIVERSITY AND TRANSFORMATION CATEGORY

The person or institution who receives recognition in the Diversity and Transformation Category should go to a recipient who has set an inspirational example, paving the way for others through the elimination of barriers, contributing to the knowledge that others can use, and having an overall effect on the image of the South African wine industry.

CATEGORY CRITERIA

1659 Visionary Leadership

Benefit to the South African Wine Industry (10 points)

Inspiration to others (10 points)

Leave a lasting legacy (10 points)

Viticulture And Wine Creation

Developing of new ideas, technology and methods (10 points)

Implementing and transferring the above (changing mindsets) (10 points)

Benefit to the South African Wine Industry (10 points)

Wine Appreciation And Wine Advancement

Contribution to the Image of Wine (10 points)

Responsible use of wine (10 points)

Building the image of the South African Wine Industry (10 points)

Width of reach (10 points)

Diversity And Transformation

Paving the way for others (elimination of barriers) (10 points)

Setting an example to others (inspire them) (10 points)

Contributing to knowledge that others can use (10 points)

Effect on the image of the South African Wine Industry (10 points)

The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event serves to engage the hearts and minds of people in the local wine industry and everyone with a passion for South African wine.

Make your nomination today at [email protected]Closing dates for nominations is Friday 15 August 2021