Who will receive this year's prestigious 1659 medal of honour?

Friday, 10 January, 2020
Agri-Expo
The awarding of the prestigious 1659 medal of honour to a wine icon is a special highlight on the South African wine calendar. The Wine Harvest Commemoration is a glamorous event taking place on Thursday 6 February 2020 at Groot Constantia Estate, the oldest wine producing estate in South Africa.

The 1659 medal has been awarded since 1974 to people who have made their mark in the wine industry and thus also serve as ambassadors for the industry. Previous recipients of the 1659 medal include Prof Piet Goussard, the Unsung Wine Workers, Charles Back, Danie de Wet, Norma Ratcliffe, Jan Scannell, Dave Hughes, Spatz Sperling, Lourens Jonker and Nelson Mandela. The criteria include that the person or institution being honoured made a significant and positive contribution to the wine industry. Their involvement must have a lasting impact, show indications of a particular legacy, change people's thinking and/or lives, and encourage and inspire others in the industry.

Wine lovers can look forward to a remarkable and enjoyable evening with wine industry leaders, icons and stalwarts -– with a connoisseurs’ dinner from Simon’s Restaurant, award-winning Groot Constantia wines and world-class entertainment by members of the renowned Libertas Choir. The event is made possible with the financial support and partnership of Groot Constantia Estate, Die Burger, Standard Bank, Vinpro and the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show. Agri-Expo is the organiser.

Tickets for this strictly black-tie event can be booked at R800 per person. Table bookings for eight to 10 people are also available. Contact Razelle Galant at 021 975 4440 or razelle@agriexpo.co.za to make your reservation.