Q&A with Changemakers Honoured at 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event

The 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event once again celebrated the people, passion, and progress shaping South Africa’s dynamic wine industry — an industry rooted in over 360 years of winemaking heritage and enjoyed globally on a remarkable scale, with an estimated 17 million glasses of South African wine enjoyed every day, confirmed by Wines of South Africa.

Honouring Excellence in the Wine Industry

This year’s event continued its proud tradition of recognising excellence by honouring five industry leaders whose contributions reflect the resilience, innovation, and inclusivity driving the sector forward.

The Retief family of Van Loveren received the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership; Denzel Swarts was honoured 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, each offering further insight into their journeys and impact.

A Global Reputation Built on Quality

Hosted by Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, the annual event brings together industry leaders, stakeholders, and partners to reflect on a year of achievement and shared purpose.

With South Africa producing award-winning wines from diverse terroirs, earning over 100 international accolades annually, the occasion not only celebrates individual success but also highlights the global standing of the country’s wine industry.

“Every harvest is a calculated risk, from weather and input costs to labour and global demand. This is where banking becomes a partner for growth. Standard Bank works with producers to structure practical, fit-for-farm solutions that strengthen cash flow and keep the wine value chain resilient, sustainable and proudly rooted in South Africa,” says Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank, and long-term platinum sponsor of the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event.

Set against the backdrop of a country defined by optimism and shaped by its unique climate, boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, the 2026 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event captured the essence of South African wine: vibrant, resilient, and full of promise.

Celebrating This Year’s Distinguished Honourees

Phillip Retief from the Retief family of Van Loveren

Q&A

The 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership pays tribute to those whose visionary thinking and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire progress and leave a lasting legacy within the industry.

Q: You’ve built hugely recognisable brands like Four Cousins and Almost Zero. What would you say makes a wine brand truly resonate with consumers today?

A: One of the key elements of any brand is that it's a promise you keep to the consumer. So, what are you selling to the consumer, what are you offering the consumer, and why would they choose your brand? So, I think it's a promise kept. And for any brand, depending on where you position it in the wine business, which there are many brands of, it does bring in a combination of price positioning, packaging, style, quality, and then linking that to a story because a lot of wine brands are connected to stories, and that's what consumers like to identify with.

Denzel Swarts

Q&A

The Growing Inclusivity category honours individuals who have courageously broken barriers and set inspiring benchmarks, enriching both the inclusivity and global perception of the South African wine industry.

Q: You’ve broken through significant racial and socio-economic barriers in the industry — what kept you motivated during those early challenges?

A: The shire passion, but also what I've seen happening as a farm child, the conversations that my parents and other farm people had, knowing that they didn't have much choice to be where they are, but they’ve given us the opportunity to have those choices. Me achieving certain things in life is also a testament to living out their dreams, being their voice, and being their sense of reason. That's kind of the moral compass that I walk with. The fact that I'm carrying the dreams and desires and visions of farm workers on my shoulder, and becoming a beacon of hope for their children.

Pieter Ferreira

Q&A

The Wine Advancement category celebrates those whose influential contributions have reshaped perceptions of wine, promoted a culture of responsibility, and strengthened the reputation of the South African wine industry.

Q: You’ve often said that “bubbles are in your blood.” What is it about Cap Classique that has inspired such lifelong dedication?

A: I sort of celebrate every morning when my feet hit the ground, and I know I have another day to take the category forward. To have bubbles in your blood is really just like the effervescence. It keeps you going up, and you should attack each day with a smile, passion, and enthusiasm. I truly believe this category of Cap Classique, which is uniquely South African, has just got so many opportunities that lie ahead. Not only locally, but definitely in the international market, we’ve really become a benchmark as the better alternative to champagne.

Charl Theron

Q&A

The Viti- and Viniculture category pays tribute to trailblazers whose forward-thinking approaches and technological excellence have driven meaningful progress across the South African wine industry.

Q: Over the years, you’ve mentored countless individuals. What qualities do you believe are essential for success in the wine industry today?

A: If a person has the right attitude and a hunger to learn, a lot can be achieved. The wine industry is going through challenges, but with an open, positive mind, the right knowledge and experience, success will be reached!

Wilfred Fortuin

Q&A

The Wine Agri-Worker category pays tribute to the passion and dedication of agri-workers, whose invaluable contributions underpin the sustainability and continued growth of South Africa’s wine industry.

Q: What makes vineyard and cellar workers so essential to the success of the wine industry?

A: I think it's very, very crucial, because that's where the whole process starts, it starts in the vineyard. I always say you have to take care of the vineyard, and then the vineyard or the grapes will make sure that once it's in the bottle, it will take care of you in terms of rewards and results. I think that the agriculture sector is also very crucial to the South African economy, as it’s the first and foremost thing securing jobs.

A Celebration of Legacy and Future Growth

By recognising these inspiring individuals, the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event pays tribute to the past while raising a glass to an exciting future.

The event is made possible through the generous support of Groot Constantia, and premium partner Standard Bank, alongside sponsor partners, including Air France-KLM, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Wine, Die Burger, Seabourne Logistics, SmileFM, and Vinpro.

“For us, wine is part of the journey,” remarks Wilson Tauro, Country Manager for Southern Africa at Air France–KLM.

“From Champagne served across all Air France cabins, to South African wines on our KLM long-haul flights, our direct connections link Cape Town with the world, and bring travellers directly to Cape Town to experience its wine culture. The Wine Harvest reminds us why South African wine is globally admired, for its provenance, quality and authenticity, and that great things take time, shaped by the land, the seasons and the people.”

Learn More

Find out more about South African wine and the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event by following @sawineharvest and visiting https://www.sawineharvest.co.za.