362 Years of South African Wine: A grateful celebration

By Renate Engelbrecht

Thursday, Feb 04

It was my first time to be invited to the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event. It was also the first time they have had to do it virtually. The current situation of the crippled economy has had a devastating effect on the South African wine industry and still, the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event of 2 February 2021 focused solely on celebration of 362 years of the vine.

Although virtual, the vibe of the vineyards was tangible and I wished that I was there, smelling the soil of Groot Constantia, drinking the wine of the winners. At this year’s Wine Harvest Commemorative Event – an emotional, yet positive and inspiring event – the vine, the wine and its people were celebrated and for a moment, I felt excitement rush through my bones. This year CAN be a good year.

Prayer of blessing on the harvest

During the event, South Africa’s rich wine history and the South African wine industry’s 362nd birthday was commemorated, with a humble prayer that suitably kicked off the event. Furthermore, some of South Africa’s best wine talent was celebrated with four very special awards:

The Diversity and Transformation Award went to Ntsiki Biyela from Aslina Wines. Ntsiki is the first black female winemaker in South Africa. She named Aslina Wines after her grandmother and her wines have received numerous awards internationally.

ANOTHER EXCITING READ: A RECIPE FOR CELEBRATING MUSHROOMS AND RED WINE

The Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement Award was given to Michael Fridjhon. He has over 4 decades of wine experience and being one of the most widely consulted liquor industry authorities, he is often described as the wine wizard of South Africa. Fridjhon is also a brilliant wine writer and he teaches and directs the Wine Judging Academy, run in association with UCT’s Graduate School of Business.

Johan Reyneke from Reyneke Wines received the Viticulture and Wine Creation Award. He is a pioneer in organic wine farming with the farm, Uitzicht, boasting organic and biodynamic vineyards. Tim Atkin recently named Reyneke Grower of the Year.

Last, but definitely not least, the event celebrated the Prince of Pinotage with The 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership. Beyers Truter, owner of Beyerskloof Wine Farms is no stranger to anyone who loves wine. He has suitably been dubbed Mr Pinotage or Prince of Pinotage on numerous occasions and with good reason. He started as winemaker at Kanonkop at the age of 25 and has built a reputation of being a true wine legend who placed South Africa’s pinotage varietal on the map, globally.

I wish the wine industry well in their 2021 journey. Coming out of a year filled with uncertainty and going into what might be another year of uncertainty, I truly hope that we get the opportunity to support them as we should. Happy birthday, Wine South Africa and congratulations to all the winners of these inspirational awards!

XOXOXO

0 Comments

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Professional cyclist sold everything to make wine in SA | Suitcase and Chardonnay - […] OTHER AWARD-WINNING WINE MAKERS TO KEEP TABS ON […]

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended Articles

Thanda Group clenches two prestigious travel awards

Thanda Group clenches two prestigious travel awards

Thanda Group, a family-owned portfolio featuring five-star hospitality, lifestyle and philanthropic experiences across Africa, has just announced its double triumph at the 30th annual World Travel Awards. The group was awarded for the experiences on its private island...

Christmas gifts for fashion lovers

Christmas gifts for fashion lovers

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone else, there is a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to Christmas gifts for fashion lovers. Luxottica is known for the stunning eyewear brands it features. I am in love with the eyewear options from...

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Kids

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Kids

Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us says that consumers are driven more than ever by experiences and parents are looking for value and toys that give their children memories outside of the digital world. “We’re seeing kids of all ages most interested in...