Wines of South Africa Archives

Wines of South Africa has just introduced its dynamic new global brand identity “There’s Sunshine Inside”

More than a slogan, this new positioning seeks to capture the essence of South African wine – radiant, resilient, and deeply rooted in cultural authenticity.

The campaign emphasizes the distinctive qualities that define South Africa as a wine-producing nation. Under the generous African sun and across an extraordinary mosaic of terroirs, producers are crafting wines that balance vivid fruit expression with remarkable freshness and structure. Beyond stylistic excellence, the brand encapsulates an industry renowned for its innovation, sustainability initiatives, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The new visual identity is bold and contemporary, featuring an updated logo and vibrant design elements that echo the energy and optimism of the country’s wines. These will be integrated across international markets beginning in 2026, supported by trade activations, digital engagement, and consumer-facing campaigns.

By unveiling “There’s Sunshine Inside” at CapeWine, the country’s flagship trade showcase, WoSA underscores its ambition to reinforce South Africa’s reputation as a distinctive, world-class wine origin. As WoSA’s new brand video illustrates, each glass of South African wine carries not only the brightness of its climate but also the spirit of its people: generous, dynamic, and forward-looking.

Happy Birthday, SA Wine! Celebrating 366 Years of Winemaking Excellence

South Africa Wine is excited to announce the “Happy Birthday SA Wine” campaign, a celebration from January through February to celebrate the South African wine industry’s official birthday on February 2nd. This campaign invites wine lovers, producers, retailers, and industry stakeholders worldwide to celebrate South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage.

South Africa is unique among wine-producing countries in that it knows the exact date of the inception of its wine industry: February 2, 1659.

This campaign encourages the wine community to participate.. “We call upon the entire wine industry, tourism sector, local and international partners, and wine enthusiasts to join us in this celebration,” says Basson. “Together, let’s raise a glass to South African wine’s past, present, and future.”

“Our vision is to create an annual celebration that honours this heritage and promotes the spirit of South African wine,” says Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine. “We want to raise awareness both local and global about the contributions of South African wine to the world and to encourage a sense of pride and connection within the industry and among consumers.”

Join South Africa Wine in this vinous voyage, as they honour the traditions, celebrate the innovations, and toast to a future filled with exceptional South African wines!

Wines of South Africa Announces “CapeWine 2025” – The Largest Wine Trade Show in the Southern Hemisphere

Wines of South Africa (WoSA) has recently announced the return of CapeWine, scheduled for 10-12 September 2025, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For the first time, DHL Express and Hillebrand Gori have joined forces as the event’s headline sponsors, showcasing their commitment to supporting the growth of South African wine globally.

As the triennial flagship event for South African wine, CapeWine 2025 will showcase the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine industry to an international audience of trade professionals, media, and enthusiasts.

The theme of CapeWine 2025 will be “Our Warmest Welcome,” encapsulating the spirit of South Africa’s wine industry in terms of the wine and the people who produce it. This event invites trade professionals worldwide to connect with the diverse individuals shaping the wine industry.

First hosted in 2000 with 100 exhibitors, the expo has grown to over 10 editions and has now become renowned for its extensive showcase of over 400 South African wine producers. The event will also offer a host of immersive experiences that go beyond the trade floor. Attendees will explore the different wine regions, discover rare varieties, meet talented winemakers, and engage with groups of like-minded enthusiasts.

“This tenth edition of our flagship trade event promises to be one of the best yet. Twenty-five years after the first CapeWine was launched in 2000, it has grown exponentially, and the show, as we know it today, has evolved to truly reflect what the South African wine industry is all about: the phenomenal wines we produce, our wonderfully warm people, the dramatic and spectacular landscapes, and the overall richness of our culture. I look forward to welcoming trade from around the world to join us for what will be an unforgettable experience,” states Siobhan Thompson, Wines of South Africa, CEO

The 2025 edition promises to elevate the South African wine industry’s global profile, attracting trade and media representatives from over 60 countries. The event runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00, providing ample opportunities to network, taste exceptional wines, and explore the local culture and landscapes of the Cape Winelands.

Registration and Tickets: www.capewine2025.com

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Launches “South Africa Selection by CMB” 17 to 20 September in Cape Town

One of the world’s largest and most respected wine and spirits competitions, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), launched last week a national competition for South Africa under the global CMB brand “South Africa Selection by CMB.” The inaugural edition will open for entries on 1 June, with judging scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 September in Cape Town.

Says Quentin Havaux, CMB’s CEO, “To head up the new South Africa Selection by CMB, we have appointed Lorraine Immelman, who has founded and run two successful wine and spirits competitions in South Africa since 1997. With almost 30 years of experience in the international wine and spirits competition business, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.”

Following the success of the Sauvignon Selection by CMB in March 2023 – known as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon at that time – the decision was taken to establish a national competition in South Africa in 2024.

Quentin continues, “Our vision for the South Africa Selection is three-fold:

1. to develop a national wine and spirits competition which is powered by the well-recognized Concours Mondial de Bruxelles;
2. to create a synergy in South Africa which will promote the country’s wines and spirits to local consumers, and
3. to create new platforms for the promotion of South African wines and spirits in world markets.”

Global Exposure on Local Soil
“Amidst a seeming flood of recent new wine competitions, I believe that South Africa right now needs a global wine and spirits competition of the stature and international significance of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles,” says Lorraine.

CMB offers entrants true value for their entry fees, including:
personalised, usable feedback from the judging panels on every product entered and tasted. This includes an Aroma Wheel generated by AI and a detailed analysis with actionable insights to support marketing campaigns.

CMB’s judges represent a mixture of the best local and international experts including buyers, journalists, oenologists and hospitality representatives, who add real marketing support for awarded products.

A Wine and Spirits Experience by CMB concept has been developed with the opening of Wine Bars and Wine Corners in cities and airports around the world (including Mexico City and Tokyo). These tasting venues are exclusively dedicated to CMB medal-winning products from all competitions and sessions.

The CMB media team gives exposure to awarded products at international wine shows such as Prowein, Wine Paris-Vinexpo, Vinitaly and Guiyang.

The South Africa Selection team will focus on the sustained promotion of winning cellars and sponsors through a dedicated media campaign to promote our winners locally. CMB also adheres to the strict competition rules set forth by the European Union, as well as all CMB competitions and selections are meticulously audited by the Service Public Fédéral belge de l’Economie (SPFE).

“CMB aims to be the most prestigious and the most rigorous wine competition in the world. What we want is to be the most reliable wine competition for producers and also for consumers,” says Quentin Havaux. “We look forward to bringing this competition to your beautiful country, and giving South Africa’s fine wines and spirits a more global presence.”

The inaugural South Africa Selection by CMB opens for entries on 1 June, with the judging taking place from 17 – 20 September in Cape Town.

For more information and entry details, please visit our website, Facebook and Instagram page:
southafricaselection.com/

www.facebook.com/southafricaselection/href=”

http://www.instagram.com/saselectioncmb/”>www.instagram.com/saselectioncmb/

For enquiries please feel free to contact Lorraine directly on southafricaselection@vinopres.com or lorraine.immelman@vinopres.com

De Waal – Top of the Hill Pinotage

The De Waal Wine Farm is located on Uiterwyk Estate in the cool Stellenbosch Kloof Valley, which has been in De Waal family since 1864. Currently owned by Pieter de Waal, this historic family has been making wine for nine generations. De Waal is renowned for the classic style of its Pinotage wines, the only indigenous South African grape variety.

Did you know?

CT de Waal was the first winemaker in South Africa to make wine from Pinotage grapes in 1941.

And,

De Waal Wine Farm is the home of Top of the Hill Pinotage, which is made from the world’s oldest Pinotage vines.