The South Africa Wine Summit will return on 28 May 2026 at the Stellenbosch University Conservatory, bringing together leaders from across the wine value chain to reflect on the key economic, political and market forces influencing the South African wine industry.
Hosted by South Africa Wine, the annual Summit provides producers, exporters, researchers, marketers, and industry partners with an opportunity to step back from daily operations and consider the broader environment in which the industry operates. Themed Context is King, the Summit will remind us that the wine industry is influenced by forces beyond the vineyard and cellar. Understanding these realities helps the industry plan with greater clarity.
“The South Africa Wine Summit gives the industry a moment to pause and look at the bigger picture,” says Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine. “From economic realities and political developments to harvest conditions and consumer trends, these are the factors that influence how our industry performs. Bringing people together to hear from experts and to share perspectives helps all of us make better decisions for the future of South African wine.”
The speaker line-up brings together voices that will challenge the way we think about the environment in which the wine industry operates. Economist Nicky Weimar returns to the Summit to once again unpack the economic realities that influence our businesses, translating complex global and local economic trends into insights that leave audiences both surprised and better informed. GG Alcock, well known for his work on South Africa’s informal and township economies, offers a fresh perspective on markets and consumers that many businesses overlook, often challenging conventional thinking about where real growth opportunities lie. Priscilla Hennekam, professor of Wine Business at the University of Adelaide, brings an important international lens and will share insights into the next generation of wine consumers, making her a speaker not to miss for anyone thinking about the future of wine markets. Political analyst Dr Mpumelelo Mkhabela adds another important dimension, helping the industry understand the political environment and policy landscape that influence trade, regulation and the broader conditions in which the wine industry operates.
Nedbank returns as the main sponsor of the Summit. Daneel Rossouw, Head of Sales for Agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, says the event plays an important role in creating space for industry discussion and shared understanding.
“The wine industry is an important contributor to South Africa’s agricultural economy and rural employment,” says Rossouw. “Events like the South Africa Wine Summit provide a platform for industry stakeholders to engage, share insights, and discuss the realities shaping the sector, ultimately supporting stronger businesses and a more resilient industry.”
“As always, Nedbank is proud to continue its association with this flagship event, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to an industry that plays such a vital role in the Western Cape economy.”
In addition to Nedbank’s ongoing sponsorship, the Summit is supported by several industry partners, including Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, Santam, and the Western Cape Government. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of the South African wine industry.
The South Africa Wine Summit is open to anyone working in or alongside the wine industry who wants to stay informed about the broader forces influencing the sector.
Ticket sales are now open. View the programme and book tickets here.
ISSUED BY
South Africa Wine
MEDIA ENQUIERIES
Wanda Augustyn
Tel: 021 276 0458
E-MAIL: wanda@sawine.co.za
