Cape Wine Master (CWM) Bennie Howard was among the five luminaries of South African wine honoured for exemplary standards at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, hosted at Groot Constantia in the Constantia Wine Valley on Thursday 6 February.
The prestigious gathering has become a cherished tradition within the local wine community, as 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.
The 2025 recipients are in keeping with the exceptional leaders that have been acknowledged and praised in previous years. They include Johann Krige, who received the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership, Praisy Dlamini in the Growing Inclusivity category, Howard in the Wine Advancement category and Jan Booysen in the Viti- and Viniculture category. The inaugural recipient in the new Wine Agri-Worker category was Marcus Lewis.
“This year’s honoured reflect the strength of the SA wine industry and showcase the resilience and adaptability of South African wine in a very competitive global market,” said Clifford van der Venter, chairperson of the Groot Constantia Trust.
“The occasion represents not only the culmination of hard work and dedication, but is also a celebration of the vibrant community that defines our wine heritage.”
Howard’s multi-decade-long commitment to the wine industry has earned him the accolade for Wine Advancement. As an influential wine judge, CWM and deputy chairperson of the South African National Wine Show Association, he 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 also 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.
