South Africa Wine Summit to unpack forces shaping industry

Industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers will gather at the Stellenbosch University Conservatory on 28 May 2026 for the South Africa Wine Summit to navigate the complex global and local forces currently shaping the wine value chain.

Hosted by South Africa Wine, the annual flagship event returns under the theme “Context is King”. The summit aims to move beyond vineyard management and cellar door operations, focusing instead on the broader economic, political, and consumer trends that determine the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, said that the gathering will offer a vital opportunity for stakeholders to pause and consider the bigger picture.

“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,” he said.

The 2026 speaker line-up features prominent voices tasked with challenging conventional industry thinking. Economist Nicky Weimar will unpack the complex local and global trends affecting wine businesses, while political analyst Mpumelelo Mkhabela will provide clarity on the policy landscape, trade regulations, and the broader political environment.

Adding a unique market perspective, GG Alcock, an expert on South Africa’s informal and township economies, will discuss growth opportunities in sectors often overlooked by traditional wine businesses.

To provide an international lens, Professor Priscilla Hennekam from the University of Adelaide in Australia will share research on the next generation of wine consumers and the future of global wine markets.

Supporting the resilient SA wine industry

Nedbank will also return as the main sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to a sector that is a major engine of the Western Cape economy and rural employment.

Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, noted that the summit is essential for creating a shared understanding of industry realities.

“The wine industry is an important contributor to South Africa’s agricultural economy and rural employment,

“Events like the South Africa Wine Summit provide a platform for industry stakeholders to engage, share insights, and discuss the realities influencing the sector, ultimately supporting stronger businesses and a more resilient industry,” Rossouw said.

Industry partners, including Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, Santam, and the Western Cape government, also support the event.

The summit is open to all professionals working within or alongside the wine sector. Ticket sales are currently open, with the full programme available on South Africa Wine’s digital platforms.