Strings of red and white grapes strewn and tangled on decadent displays at South Africa’s oldest wine farm Groot Constantia, was indeed symbolic of this year’s Wine Harvest Commemorative Event that honoured a prestigious line-up of the industry’s greats.
Over the years, many great wine legends have been recognised under the categories of Visionary Leadership (with the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award), Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture.
This year’s recipients are in keeping with the exceptional pedigree of leaders that have been acknowledged and praised over the years and include:
- Tim Hutchinson, who has been chosen for the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership;
- Cathy Marston, honoured in the Wine Advancement category;
- Ilse Ruthford honoured in the Growing Inclusivity category;
- and Dawid Saayman, who was selected in the Viti- and Viniculture category.
Glasses were raised, toasts were cheered, and a breathtaking ensemble of Opera vocalists graced the splendid Thursday evening 1 February celebration of the South African wine industry’s inception in true 17th century style.
The legacy 2 February 1659 diary entry penned by Jan van Riebeeck centuries ago, announced: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” And with that, it marked the birthday of what would become an internationally renowned industry that placed South Africa on the world’s grape-based winemaking map and continues to do so today.
This year, the highly esteemed 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership was bestowed upon Hutchinson – a true luminary in the world of wine.
Hutchinson’s tale is one in which he navigated his departure from humble beginnings to leading one of the largest and fastest-growing independent wine companies in SA. His bold moves are said to have forever shaped the course of SA wine, whilst his philanthropic efforts and socially responsible projects have left an indelible mark on communities throughout SA.
In the words of Hutchinson: “They say nothing is impossible, and this award is a true testament to that. By pursuing a vision day in and day out, it is possible to achieve your dreams and goals. Being recognised by one’s peers makes all those years of hard work and good old-fashioned grit even more meaningful. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognise my family and all those who have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with me through the years.”
Marston has been selected as the 2024 recipient in the Wine Advancement category for her contributions towards the image of South African wine and the South African wine industry as a whole.
Beyond being an esteemed wine taster, judge and journalist, Marston is a formidable wine educator with a global reach and influence as the founder and head lecturer at the prestigious International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) based in Cape Town, which offers Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications.
Ruthford was hailed as the Managing Director of Compagniesdrift, which is a 100% black-owned company. She is a mentor and leader for numerous young people, especially women, instilling a strong sense of hope. She is also a board member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, leading socio-economic development.
This award honours individuals for their innovative ideas, technologies, and practices in the wine-making industry. Here, Saayman was recognised for his many years’ work as a soil scientist specialising in viti-viniculture. He is known for defining the concept of terroir in SA by identifying and understanding geology, soil types and climate in the South African ‘Wine of Origin’ scheme.
Held as an annual legacy institution, the SA wine industry honours this momentous occasion each February with the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event.
This year’s Commemorative Event was made possible with the generous support of Groot Constantia, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Wesgro, South Africa Wine, Die Burger, Cape Town Tourism and others.
Everyone is called upon to join in during February every year – anyone with a passion for and commitment to wine, whether a wine producer, social sipper, connoisseur, collector, restaurateur, or retail outlet (large or small) – wherever they may be.
