South Africa Wine joined industry stakeholders last week at the country’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, to kick off a campaign to celebrate the South African wine industry’s rich heritage.

South Africa Wine commenced operations on July 1 this year as a non-profit organisation that has been mandated by the South African wine and brandy industry to build resilience, foster transformation, and promote agility and competitiveness.

The country’s wine industry provides opportunities for 269 000 employees and close to a million of their dependants, and contributes more than R55 billion (€2.7bn) to GDP.

The organisation’s vision for the birthday of the South African wine industry is to create an annual, month-long celebration in February to raise awareness of its unique heritage, dating back to February 2, 1659.

Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape, planted a vineyard in 1655, and on February 2, 1659 the first wine was made and bottled from Cape grapes. South Africa is the only country in the world that knows the exact date of the start of its wine industry.

South Africa Wine is currently calling on the entire wine industry, tourism sector, local and international partners, South African trade, and retailers to participate in this celebration, driving global awareness of South African wine, while encouraging the essence of the wine industry – rich in diversity, innovation, and leadership.

This campaign aims to create ambassadors for South African wine through responsible consumption, while creating even more job opportunities.

South Africa Wine CEO, Rico Basson, said: “In the heart of South Africa, where vines weave a tapestry of tradition and innovation, we celebrate the unique spirit of our nation’s wine industry – a legacy dating back to the 17th century. As we raise a glass to this remarkable journey, we honour not just the vineyards, but the people who breathe life into every grape and the progress that propels us into a future where excellence and diversity intertwine.

“We look forward to another birthday celebration for South African wine. Its people, products, and progress are a testament to the enduring beauty of our cultural heritage.”

Industry members, wine enthusiasts, and supporters have been invited to share in the celebrations this February by making use of the free assets that were specially created to mark the occasion, including videos, maps, and artwork.