Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
What is the significance of the CapeWine 2025 event for the agricultural and wine sector of the province, particularly in (a) strengthening exports and (b) promoting local producers on a global stage?
The CapeWine 2025 trade fair, the largest wine trade event in the Southern Hemisphere, is highly important for the Western Cape's agricultural sector, especially the wine industry. As South Africa's leading international wine trade show, hosted by Wines of South Africa (WoSA), it provides a key platform to present the best of South African wine to a global audience. At a Provincial Strategic Level, the event aligns with the Growth for Jobs Strategy Priority through increased exports.
(a) Strengthening exports
- Direct access to global buyers
CapeWine attracts importers, distributors, sommeliers, and media from around the world. This provides small and medium-sized wineries with valuable opportunities to negotiate deals and explore new export markets. CapeWine 2025 drew 1,605 visitors from 60 countries and was held from September 10 to 12.
- Boosting export volumes and value
The event plays a significant role in boosting both the volume and value of South Africa’s wine exports. Exposure to high-value markets like the U.S., U.K., China, and Germany, as well as rapidly expanding markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—among others—helps support the premiumisation of South African wines internationally.
- Strengthening trade relationships
By hosting international stakeholders locally, CapeWine enhances both diplomatic and trade relationships between South Africa and major trading partners, supporting sustainable trade expansion. CapeWine 2025 attracted high-level diplomatic and government representatives, such as ambassadors, high commissioners, Consul Generals, and other important trade officials from global markets and within South Africa. An official attendee list can be provided upon request.
- Positioning the Western Cape as a quality origin
The event reinforces the Western Cape’s reputation as a world-class wine-producing region, helping to differentiate it in an increasingly competitive global market.
(b) Promoting local producers on a global stage
- Showcasing diversity and innovation
CapeWine showcases the diversity of terroir, grape varietals, and winemaking styles unique to South Africa. It shines a spotlight on both well-established names and emerging producers, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds.
- Supporting transformation and inclusivity
WoSA and CapeWine emphasize industry transformation by showcasing Black-owned brands, women winemakers, and other historically marginalized producers.
We can provide a list of participating brands, stakeholders, and seminar topics that addressed these themes.
- Telling the South African story
Through tastings, masterclasses, and seminars, the event educates international audiences about South Africa’s wine heritage, sustainability efforts, inclusivity initiatives, and contemporary identity, fostering greater brand loyalty and strengthening market position. CapeWine 2025 also marked the launch of WoSA’s new global brand slogan: “There’s Sunshine Inside.”
- Driving tourism and regional development
CapeWine greatly promotes wine tourism, boosting rural economies, creating jobs in hospitality and agriculture, and highlighting the Western Cape’s scenic wine routes, cuisine, and culture.
Response from DEDAT
- CapeWine 2025 provides South African wine producers with a powerful platform to expand international market access. By attracting global buyers, distributors, and importers, the event enables producers to showcase the quality, diversity, and value of South African wines, directly supporting export growth. It also helps build long-term trade relationships, increases brand visibility in competitive markets, and positions the Western Cape as a reliable source for premium wine exports.
(b) The event highlights the innovation, sustainability practices, and unique terroir of South African wine regions, giving local producers international recognition beyond their traditional markets. By engaging global media, influencers, and industry leaders, CapeWine 2025 raises the profile of smaller and emerging producers who may not otherwise have access to international audiences, ensuring that local talent and diversity within the industry are represented on the world stage.
