On Thursday, 5 February 2026, the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event once again celebrated five esteemed role players in the South African wine industry who have paved the way forward by setting standards of commendable excellence. This prestigious event also blessed the season's new grape harvest while commemorating the birth of the South African wine industry 367 years ago in 1659. South Africa is unique in this regard as it is able to identify the exact origin of its wine industry by a diary entry dated 2 February 1659: "Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes." 

"This year's Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, again hosted by Groot Constantia, was a wonderful celebration of the vibrant community that defines our wine heritage,” says Clifford van der Venter, Chairperson of the Groot Constantia Trust. "It was a privilege to honour the individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to our industry. With this depth of talent and expertise we can be confident that we will continue to hold our own in a very competitive global market."

 

The 2026 recipients are worthy torch bearers for the standards set by previously acknowledged industry greats. They are: the Retief family of Van Loveren Wine Estate with the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership; Denzel Swarts in the Growing Inclusivity category; Pieter Ferreira in the Wine Advancement category; Charl Theron in the Viti- and Viniculture category; and Wilfred Fortuin in the Wine Agri-Worker category.

The Retief family of Van Loveren: 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership

The Retief family of Van Loveren received the coveted 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership for their industry-leading contributions to multiple spheres of the South African wine industry. Their active strategies are built on six growth pillars: wine tourism, acquisitions and partnerships, transformation, innovation, sustainability, and diversification. 

Wine tourism has become a powerful extension of the Van Loveren story, with seven tasting room experiences under different brands. Their move into strategic acquisitions has been equally inspiring, with a focus on preserving original winemaking legacies and keeping it proudly South African. Regarding transformation, Van Loveren demonstrates their real commitment with a number of  impactful employee shareholding initiatives. Further, innovation and sustainability are integral to the Van Loveren philosophy, with initiatives ranging from award-winning energy-smart projects to wildlife protection. The winery was also named Evolve-BGS and WineMag’s 2025 Energy Assessment Champion, recognising more than a decade of investment in renewable energy. Even beyond wine, they have expanded thoughtfully, diversifying into almonds, cherries, citrus, and avocados making them a top contributor to inspire a growing South African agricultural economy.

The far-reaching industry influence of Van Loveren bears testament to the Retief family's market foresight and creative leadership, making them laudable recipients of this accolade.

Denzel Swarts: Growing Inclusivity category

Denzel Swarts, Sales and Brand Executive at Zoetendal Vineyards in Elim, Cape Agulhas, was recognised for his transformative leadership to grow inclusivity in the face of many challenges. 

He began his journey at Simonsig and soon became a senior manager, breaking through racial and socio-economic ceilings and paving the way for others to follow. In the broader industry Swarts has held a number of respected leadership roles, including amongst others: member of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Transformation Task Team; Vice-chairperson / Acting Chairperson of the University of Cape Town’s Postgraduate Commerce Faculty; and currently director at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy as well as director at the South African Wine Industry Professional Body. 

 

His achievements have earned him numerous awards. Notably, he was the only African to have received the esteemed Golden Vines® Wine Scholar Guild Scholarship in 2022, which he selflessly relinquished to aid another in need.

Swarts is a person of admirable stature, staying loyal to his roots while continuously striving for personal growth and community advancement. This makes him a worthy recipient of this honour.

Pieter Ferreira: Wine Advancement category

Ferreira was honoured for his unwavering dedication and passion for bottle-fermented sparkling wine, which have been instrumental in elevating the Cap Classique category to world-class status. 

Ferreira joined Graham Beck in 1990 and has been pivotal in building the producer into a global leader in Cap Classique. His tireless efforts to promote Cap Classique on the world stage have almost single-handedly opened international doors for the category.

Known for his inclusive approach, Ferreira generously shares his knowledge and passion with current and prospective producers. He has been instrumental in initiating numerous events that have improved the collective quality of Cap Classique, such as the annual Base Wine Tasting and the Technical Seminar that brings together global industry leaders and researchers.

Ferreira's expertise and commitment to excellence have played a crucial role in establishing South African sparkling wine as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage, making him an admirable recipient of this honour.

Charl Theron: Viti- and Viniculture category

With experience of over 50 years in wine production, education, and consultation Charl Theron was honoured for bringing invaluable academic and technical expertise to the South African and international wine industries.

Having obtained an MSc degree in Oenology, Theron served as lecturer and later as Chairperson of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. He was also a member of the advisory committee of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. 

In the wine industry itself, Theron held various positions at KWV over a long association with the organisation. Branching out in later years, he was a founder member of VINO FINO Oenological Advice CC, CEO of the Cape Vintner Classification, and served on numerous professional societies and industry committees. He was a founder member of the Wine Appreciators organisation for the training of wine lovers, and founded cellar workers' study groups in wine districts. 

Theron's expertise is pervasive throughout the South African wine industry, making him a deserving recipient of this honour.

Wilfred Fortuin: Wine Agri-Worker category

Wilfred Fortuin was selected by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture as the 2026 Wine Agri-Worker, as part of their annual Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards competition. The initiative honours the invaluable efforts of vineyard, cellar and farm workers who are instrumental to the success of South Africa's wine industry.

Fortuin is a true champion for the many individuals who devote their time and labour to the industry and an example of what dedication and self-development can achieve. Being hungry to learn and develop, Fortuin enrolled at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, where he completed the Senior Cellar Assistant Development Programme Levels 1 to 4. His dedication to developing his knowledge and skills also earned him a spot on the 2025 Cellar Worker Exchange Programme in Burgundy, France. During his study tour in France, he was an excellent ambassador for South Africa. 

Fortuin, at the young age of 31, is a very strong role model for the youth who may consider a career in agriculture, making him a meritorious recipient of this honour.

A partnership that ensures a legacy of 367 years of South African wine is honoured

The 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event was made possible through the generous support of Groot Constantia, and premium financial partner Standard Bank, alongside partners Air France-KLM, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Wine, Die Burger, Seabourne Logistics, SmileFM, and Vinpro.

Groot Constantia Estate, with a history that dates back to 1685, is closely aligned to the origin of South African wine. Jean Naudé, CEO of the estate says: "It is an honour for Groot Constantia to play a crucial part in the commemoration of something very unique that was started 367 years ago. The wine industry adds an important dimension to Cape Town in its tourism appeal and also contributes to the international world of wine. Groot Constantia, as a proud contributor to this industry over centuries, feels it appropriate to be involved in this manner."

Highlighting the economic significance of the wine industry, Brendan Jacobs: Head of Agribusiness, Standard Bank, states: "South African wine has the quality and story to compete with the best in the world. Our role at Standard Bank is to help unlock that potential by backing producers with capital, sector insight and connectivity into new markets. When the industry grows, communities grow with it, and that’s the kind of impact we’re proud to invest in."  

Western Cape Government Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed the partnership with the South African wine industry. "The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event celebrates the strength and heritage of the Western Cape's world-class wine industry,” says Meyer. “Agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in our province, and today we recognise the excellence, innovation, and inclusivity that keep this sector globally competitive. I especially honour our wine agri-workers, whose dedication sustains the industry and strengthens our rural communities. As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to building a safe, fair and enabling environment where farmers, producers, exporters, and agri-workers can thrive. This festival reminds us that when we support our people and safeguard our agricultural economy, we secure a more prosperous future for all."

Exemplars of excellence shine bright at annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event - join the celebration!

This February, as we raise our glasses to excellence, let us celebrate the rich heritage and achievements of South African wine, sharing our joyous wishes with the world. Follow @sawineharvest on social media and use the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySAWine to join the celebration and discover more about this remarkable event and the 2026 honourees at www.sawineharvest.co.za.