On Thursday, 6 February 2025, the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, hosted at Groot Constantia in the Constantia Wine Valley, honoured the achievements of five remarkable individuals in the South African wine industry. This prestigious gathering has become a cherished tradition within the South African wine community. It encourages excellence and marks the pivotal birth date of South African wine 366 years ago in 1659 – when wine was pressed for the first time from Cape grapes.
Bennie Howard’s multi-decade-long commitment to the South African wine industry has earned him the accolade for Wine Advancement. As an influential wine judge, Cape Wine Master, and vice-chair of the SA National Wine Show Association, Howard has crucially enhanced the industry’s global reputation through education, competitions, and cultural promotions.
Howard’s career boasts numerous achievements. Since 2004, he has been the marketing manager at Meerendal in Durbanville. He was instrumental in getting the Wine of Origin Cape Town approved by the demarcation committee and the Wine and Spirit Board in 2017.
In 2020, Howard became the first recipient of the Dave Hughes Award, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to wine education. His mentorship of young winemakers and dedication to promoting the cultural heritage of South African wine has left a lasting impact. This has secured his legacy as a champion of the wine industry’s progress.
Howard’s role as a trailblazer has significantly shaped the South African wine industry, making him an admirable recipient of this honour.
The five honorees of the 2025 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event with sponsors. Front, left to right: Bennie Howard CWM, Praisy Dlamini, Johann Krige, Jan Booysen, and Marcus Lewis.