Cape Town To Celebrate 366 Years Of Wine

Cape Town will again commemorate South Africas winemaking heritage with the annual Wine Birthday celebration on February 2. This event, which pays tribute to the countrys longstanding history as a leading wine producer, marks 366 years since the first wine was crafted in the Cape in 1659.

Documented by Jan van Riebeeck , then Governor of the Cape, creation of the first wine was recorded on February 2, 1659 with the words: Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes. This historic moment established the foundation of South Africas wine industry, which continues to play a significant role in the countrys economy, tourism and cultural identity.

The 2025 festivities will take place at One Only Cape Town over a weekend from January 31 to February 2. More than 22 wine farms in renowned regions such as Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Constantia and Wellington will participate showcasing their wines and celebrating the art of winemaking.

The event will begin with a bespoke wine-pairing experience on the Friday and Saturday, featuring selections from One Only Cape Towns exclusive wine collection and a menu curated by Executive Chef Terrence Ford . The main celebration on the Sunday will be hosted on the Vista deck surrounded by the resorts picturesque water canals.

Guests can expect roaming canaps, charcuterie boards, fresh oysters, lamb on the spit and dessertsall paired with a selection of wines from participating farms. The event will also feature live music, art and fashion.