South Africa Celebrates Its Wine Heritage and Icon: Ken Forrester

South Africa is the only country that can pinpoint the exact start date of its wine industry thanks to a diary entry by Jan van Riebeeck on February 2, 1659: "Today, thank God, wine was made from Cape grapes for the first time." This date marks the beginning of the country's wine harvest celebrations. South Africa invites all wine enthusiasts to raise a glass – from businesses, producers, sociable drinkers, and connoisseurs to restaurateurs, collectors, and retail outlets worldwide.

Wine Harvest Commemorative Event

The annual wine harvest commemorative event takes place on February 2 at Groot Constantia estate in Cape Town, during the birthday month of the wine industry. On this day, the wine industry officially honors individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions in the areas of Visionary Leadership (with the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award), Diversity and Transformation, Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement, as well as Viticulture and Wine Creation. Over the years, many luminaries have been honored, including Nelson Mandela, Unsung Wine Workers, Ntsiki Biyela, Norma Ratcliffe, Beyers Truter, and Charles Back. In 2022, Carmen Stevens, Denise Stubbs, Francois Viljoen, and Christine Rudman joined this elite group of leaders.

The 2023 Winner is: Ken Forrester

Ken Forrester of the eponymous estate in Stellenbosch receives the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award at the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event on February 2, 2023. "However I got here, it wasn't just me. I'm here because many others made it possible," says Forrester. Mr. Chenin, dressed in traditional Scottish tartan, looks back at the crowd who contributed to this moment.

"Chenin Blanc needed a jockey and I jumped on that horse. Thankfully enough people supported the game." It is a cold hard fact: Forrester has had a profound impact on the South African wine industry: as a standard bearer for Chenin Blanc both regionally and globally. He has made significant strides to enhance the lives of farm workers.

The handcrafted trophy made of blown glass that was presented to Forrester honors his lasting legacy that has spread the "gospel" of South African wine globally. The Chenin Blanc revolution can largely be credited to Forrester. Today, 16,827 hectares of Chenin are being planted, with more than half of this acreage being old vines.

Raise a toast to the natural diversity of South Africa

Protecting the rich biodiversity of the country is an absolute priority. Both large and small wine producers in South Africa recognize they are the stewards of the land they operate on. Maintaining a balance between nature and agriculture is crucial.

Get ready to celebrate! The Wine Land South Africa is celebrating its rich wine heritage throughout the month! Raise your glass to South African wine!