Beyers Truter was honoured with the iconic 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership on Tuesday 2 February 2021 during the industry's annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event at Groot Constantia. The purpose of the event is to celebrate the wine industry's inception 362 years ago on 2 February 1659, to ask for the Blessing of the Harvest and to honour role players. The criteria for the Visionary Leadership award includes demonstrable efforts and initiatives that have benefited the South African wine industry; a lasting impact and legacy; and to encourage and inspire others in the industry. As winemaker, wine personality and owner of Beyerskloof, Truter has done all of this as part of his mission to have the South African Pinotage variety internationally recognised as a premium red wine.
The annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is hosted annually at Groot Constantia Wine Estate in Cape Town, during the wine industry’s birthday month. This is when the wine industry officially recognises individuals and organisations for their exceptional contribution to the industry.
During February every year, South Africa celebrate the most significant event on its wine calendar: celebrating the wine industry’s birthday by commemorating the South African grape wine harvest.