03 Mar 2025 Wine leaders chart industry’s future course

The second South Africa Wine Summit, set for May 22, 2025, at the Stellenbosch University Conservatory…..

The event will again gather wine industry decision-makers and experts to address the sector’s vital challenges and opportunities.

“The South Africa Wine Summit recognises that global consumers increasingly seek authentic, purpose-driven brands that deliver more than quality wine,” asserts Wine South Africa’s PR.

“They want to connect with the stories behind the bottle, understand the commitment to sustainability, and see tangible social impact in communities. The South African wine industry can change heritage into a compelling narrative that resonates in the global marketplace.

“This year’s Summit will explore how we can harness authentic storytelling to build wine brands that matter while ensuring the industry’s growth benefits everyone in our value chain.”

Adds Rico Basson, South Africa Wine’s CEO: “The South African wine industry stands at a decisive moment. Our ability to grow and compete globally depends on how we address climate resilience, embrace technology in viticulture, connect with new consumers, and implement sustainable practices across our value chain,

“These aren’t isolated challenges – they’re interconnected opportunities that require collective industry action. The South Africa Wine Summit brings together the expertise and insights our industry needs to navigate these fundamental shifts.

“Every decision we make today about climate adaptation, technological integration, and market engagement will determine our industry’s trajectory for the next decade. Our summit offers the strategic framework for those decisions.”

This event promises practical solutions to pressing challenges from agricultural policy to artificial intelligence, AI and precision technology in vineyard management and winemaking to data-driven insights on global market shifts.

Nedbank sponsorship

“Continuing our decades-long relationships within the wine industry, Nedbank is honoured to sponsor this year’s second South Africa Wine Summit,” says Daneel Rossouw, Nedbank’s Head of Sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking and main sponsor of this event.

Other key sponsors are the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (formerly Consol Glass) and Agrimark,

Source: South Africa Wine