Most people won’t necessarily associate the mining industry with wine production. Not so for Brian Whitehead (Xtropy Mining Solutions) and Dirk Harris (Lucky Finds Wine Co and Michelangelo Awards). In an increasingly disconnected and fragmented world, they realised African mining and wine industries face shared challenges – from stringent regulations and operational barriers to the need for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Together, they created Mine and Wine to recognise the unsung heroes and professionals in both industries, with Mine, Wine & Dine events aimed to coincide with major mining expos and conferences around the world. “With its vast resources, diverse landscapes, and immense potential, Africa offers rich promises and unparalleled opportunities for those who invest in its future,” Dirk says.

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The first annual Mine, Wine & Dine Gala Dinner was held on 7 February 2026, on the eve of the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town – offering attendees a place to meet and network around shared values and expertise beyond the exhibition floor. Pioneers of the mining world could rub shoulders with artisans of the wine industry, sharing stories, sparking collaborations, and building connections.

“The Mine & Wine event was created to bridge generational, professional, and industry divides by creating a dedicated space for meaningful connection, knowledge sharing, and celebration,” Dirk says. “It brings together professionals from the two distinctive yet parallel worlds of mining and winemaking to foster mentorship, build lasting relationships, and honour the legacies and accomplishments that drive Africa’s economy and heritage.”

The event extends beyond South Africa’s borders to promote Africa as a land of promise, opportunity, and transformative potential. “Mine, Wine & Dine is more than an event,” Dirk says, “It’s a movement to cultivate a brighter, more collaborative future for Africa’s vital resource-based industries.”

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Objectives

In the spirit of bridge-building, Dirk and Brian established the event on the pillars of connection, cultivation and celebration. Connection, to reunite old friends and colleagues while welcoming the new wave of young professionals, forging bonds that span generations and experiences; cultivation, to encourage relationships that extend beyond traditional boundaries and industry silos, creating organic, enduring networks through shared conversations, stories, and African hospitality; and celebration, to honour the quiet accomplishments of veterans, spotlight promising young talent, innovative ideas, and emerging trends – all in an atmosphere of genuine appreciation and humble gratitude.

“Connecting, cultivating, and celebrating are the very acts of bridge-building, especially between those often considered at odds, such as mining and agriculture – with wine as a prime example of cultivated bounty,” Dirk says. “By broadening the net to include the soul of the mining industry and its kindred spirits in winemaking, we recognise how both sectors serve our societies and communities. ‘What we do not grow, we must mine’ is a truth that underscores the interdependence of extraction and cultivation for sustaining prosperity.”

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Recognition

Mine & Wine presents awards and honours to brands, companies, or individuals who have made significant contributions to the African continent. Anyone who is directly invested in Africa’s growth, resources, and future is eligible to be nominated.

For the mining awards, a panel of mining professionals judge submissions from the Mine & Wine website and academy members. while the wine awards are decided by a blind tasting held at the start of the evening, which guests can participate in. The results are digitally captured, and the winners are announced later in the evening. “Producers were invited to enter their wine, but the selection that was tasted was decided at the end of the day by Dr Winnie Bowman,” Dirk says.

Eighteen of South Africa’s top winemakers participated at this year’s inaugural event, and included single varietals, blends and a lifetime achievement award. The categories and winners of 2026 were:

  • 2026 Top Sauvignon Blanc: Delaire Coastal Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2025
  • 2026 Top Chardonnay: Peter Falke Wines Chardonnay 2023
  • 2026 Top Chenin Blanc: Catherine Marshall Chenin Blanc Fermented on Clay 2024
  • 2026 Top Syrah: Keermont Vineyards Syrah 2019
  • 2026 Top Red Blend: Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2023
  • 2026 Top Cabernet Sauvignon: Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in Winemaking: Giorgio Dalla Cia
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Alex Starey, Keermont Vineyards