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Pinotage at 100: Absa Top 10 Awards Honour a Century of SA’s’s Homegrown Grape

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Pinotage at 100: Absa Top 10 Awards Honour a Century of SA’s’s Homegrown Grape

In this landmark year marking the centenary of Pinotage, the Pinotage Association, together with long-standing partner Absa, proudly unveiled the winners of the 2025 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition at Meerendal Wine Estate. The charismatic Johan Badenhorst from Voetspore was the master of ceremonies. Jak De Priester and die Kaapse Lawaaimakers entertained the audience, filling the room with a typical South African jovial atmosphere.

This year’s competition drew 120 entries from 68 producers nationwide, reflecting the enduring pride and innovation that continues to shape South Africa’s signature grape. The judges selected an exceptional Top 20, from which the Absa Top 10 have now been named.

The 2025 Absa Top 10 Winners

  • Bruce Jack Wines – Heritage Flag of Truce Pinotage 2022
  • Warwick Wine Estate – The Black Lady Pinotage, 2023
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines International – Verreaux Pinotage, 2023
  • Simonsig Wines – Redhill Pinotage, 2022
  • Beyerskloof Wines – Diesel Pinotage, 2021
  • Flagstone Wynkelder – Writer’s Block Pinotage, 2022
  • KWV – The Mentors Pinotage, 2022
  • Le Grand Domaine – Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Pinotage, 2022
  • Wellington Wines – Duke Pinotage, 2024
  • Diemersdal Wine Estate – The Journal Pinotage, 2022

Each of these winners received the newly minted gold-plated Pinotage Medallion, which they personally overstruck with the engraved “engel piepie.” In addition, a 1kg Silver Medallion, containing actual Grand Pinotage wine, was unveiled — a unique piece designed to embody the aging potential and timeless quality of the Pinotage wines being made today.

A world first.  The 2025 Pinotage Pure Silver 1 kilogram medallion is the first medallion that literally holds wine in a glass as part of the medallion. Pinotage has stood the test of time, and now it has been captured in this exquisite rarity. Only 100 pieces will be created worldwide as part of the Pinotage Centenary Heritage. This treasure was created as part of the Pinotage Centenary celebration and developed by our very own Mint in Cape Town: The Cape Mint. This precious metal series consists of silver and gold 1 oz medallions and now minted in a kilogram of silver.

Pinotage

Similar to the Pinotage cultivar developed over a period of time – these timeless medallions capture the history and spirit of Pinotage , not only in the content and imagery, but now also by preserving actual Pinotage for generations to come. We can all be proud that  this  is another international first for South Africa and our wine industry.

Runners-Up: Completing the 2025 Top 20

  • Beeslaar Wines – Pinotage 2021
  • Diemersdal Wine Estate – The Journal Pinotage 2023
  • Flagstone Wynkelder – Truth Tree Pinotage 2022
  • Glen Carlou Vineyards – The Glen Carlou Collection Pinotage 2023
  • Kanonkop Wine Estate – Estate Pinotage 2016
  • Klawer Wynkelders – Villa Esposto Pinotage 2023
  • KWV – Cathedral Cellar Pinotage 2022
  • Leopards Leap Family Vineyards – Special Edition Pinotage 2023
  • Stellenbosch Hills – Bushvine Pinotage 2022
  • Windmeul Kelder – Reserve Pinotage 2022

Each runner up received a silver pinotage medallion.

A Century of Pinotage

The celebrations this year carry particular weight, as it has been 100 years since Professor Abraham Izak Perold developed Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut). Appointed in 1917 as the first Professor of Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch and later its first Dean of Agriculture, Perold planted the very first seedlings at Welgevallen. Nearly lost when he joined KWV in Paarl in 1928, those vines were saved by Dr. Charlie Niehaus and entrusted to Professor Chris Theron at Elsenburg, who multiplied and selected them. Together, Perold and Theron chose the name “Pinotage,” now inseparable from South Africa’s winemaking identity.

One hundred years later, Pinotage has become more than an experiment in crossing grape varieties, it has grown into a pillar of South African heritage and a symbol of innovation with global recognition. The results of the 2025 competition show how producers with decades of experience stand proudly alongside newer names, all contributing to a vibrant future for the cultivar.

A Positive Future

Reflecting on this centenary milestone, Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association, commented: “Pinotage is no longer the underdog. It is a grape that has proven its place in the world, and its future is brighter than ever. The wines we celebrate today — powerful, elegant, and age-worthy — are proof of the extraordinary potential Pinotage still holds for the next 100 years.”

So many legends of the wine industry dedicated their lives to building the success story of Pinotage.They sacrificed more than we may ever truly know. Their work paved the way for today’s custodians, who continue to protect that legacy and inspire the next generation of legends and history makers. Pinotage is a uniquely South African success story. Just as sport unites us, agriculture is the heartbeat of our heritage. Together, we must ensure that South Africa’s jewels in the crown shine brighter than ever. This is how we honour our past, celebrate our present, and pursue our future.

Consistency and Rising Talent

Since the competition’s inception in 1997, producers such as Kanonkop (22 Top 20 appearances), Beyerskloof (21), Diemersdal (19), Windmeul (16), Wellington (15), Simonsig (12), Flagstone (12), and KWV (10) have built enviable track records. At the same time, newer names like Bruce Jack Wines, Warwick, Le Grand Domaine, and Leopards Leap signal a new era of Pinotage producers, reinforcing the cultivar’s evolution and enduring appeal.

“Congratulations to the winners and runners up of this years Absa Top 10 Pinotage awards, you have a responsibility to help develop the next generation of winemakers, and those entrepreneurs in your industry”, said Stonie Steenkamp Absa Executive.

As Pinotage enters its second century, the 2025 Absa Top 10 embodies both tradition and renewal, a true celebration of a grape that is as deeply rooted in history as it is poised for the future.

Precision Breeding and Climate-Resilience: De-Risking Future Avocado Production

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Precision Breeding and Climate-Resilience: De-Risking Future Avocado Production

Avocado production is entering a new era shaped by science, consumer demand, and the urgent realities of climate change. At its 50-hectare research and development hub in Tzaneen — the world’s largest privately funded subtropical fruit research facility—Westfalia Fruit is pioneering a program to future-proof the crop. The initiative focuses on breeding the next generation of avocados: cultivars that not only deliver higher yields but also withstand pests, diseases, water scarcity, and rising global temperatures. By combining cutting-edge genomic tools, precision breeding, and consumer insight, Westfalia is reshaping how the avocado industry prepares for the future.

Global Genetic Foundation

At the heart of this effort is Westfalia’s unique genetic library—an orchard containing up to three trees each of more than 140 avocado varieties sourced globally. This extraordinary diversity forms the foundation for adaptability and resilience.

From these “parent” varieties, researchers have raised more than 7,000 unique seedlings—affectionately called “babies” by the team. Each is closely monitored for traits such as yield potential, flavour, disease resistance, and resilience to climate stress. Nearly 100 have already been identified as strong candidates for commercial release and are now undergoing long-term evaluation.

Accelerating Cultivar Development

Traditionally, avocado breeding spanned decades, as breeders waited years for trees to bear fruit before traits could be assessed. Westfalia is breaking this cycle by pioneering precision breeding methods in avocados—a first for the industry.

Using DNA markers and AI-driven analysis, scientists can now profile seedlings early and predict their performance before the trees mature. This dramatically reduces timelines while increasing accuracy. Many seedlings are already producing fruits with novel traits: unusual shapes, vibrant skin colours, unusually sweet flavours, and even football-sized avocados. “The possibilities are almost endless, creating choice for customers and consumers,” notes Matthew Churchill, Global Brand Manager at Westfalia Fruit.

A Consumer-Driven Future

For the first time, avocado varietal development is being guided directly by consumer and customer insight. Westfalia is working with retailers and foodservice partners to tailor varieties to market preferences—reversing the traditional model of breeding first and marketing later. “It’s about closing the gap between R&D and real-world needs to grow the market,” Churchill adds.

Cultivars for a Resilient Future

Beyond consumer preference, the program addresses the biggest threats to global production: climate change, disease pressure, and water scarcity. Westfalia’s long-standing Avocado Research Programme (ARP), founded in 2008 with the Hans Merensky Foundation and the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), strengthens the breeding effort by targeting pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi, the devastating root rot fungus. Insights from ARP ensure that new cultivars are rigorously tested against industry’s toughest challenges.

Securing Tomorrow’s Harvests

Westfalia’s Tzaneen research hub represents a critical investment in the stability of global avocado supply. By integrating its 140-variety genetic library with precision science and consumer insight, the company is creating resilient cultivars that meet both grower needs and market demand. With nearly 100 potential varieties under advanced evaluation, Westfalia is delivering a future in which avocado production is more productive, sustainable, and secure—for farmers, retailers, and consumers alike.

ANCA Summit Showcases Bioeconomy as Africa’s Path to Agricultural Transformation

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ANCA Summit Showcases Bioeconomy as Africa’s Path to Agricultural Transformation

The African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) Summit, running from 7 – 9 October 2025 at the Mount Nelson Hotel, opened this week in Cape Town. With the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Natural Capital,” the summit places the continent’s bioeconomy at the centre of strategies to build a resilient, inclusive, and profitable agricultural future.

Defining the Game Changer: What Is the Bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy encompasses all economic activity derived from renewable biological resources — crops, livestock, forests, seaweed, and other organic matter. It moves beyond conventional farming to include innovation in bio-based industries, such as biodegradable plastics, biofertilisers, and biofuels. For agriculture, it opens new markets, creates high-value jobs, and delivers long-term revenue through sustainable, circular practices.

Day One Highlights: Mobilising Finance

From the outset, delegates emphasised the critical challenge of scaling finance. The discussion focused on shifting Africa’s role from raw biomass supplier — currently capturing less than 10 percent of its potential value, according to CIFOR-ICRAF — to value-adding bioeconomy leader. Achieving this requires coordinated investment, policy support, and innovation ecosystems.

Minister Steenhuisen’s Vision

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen delivered the keynote address, declaring the bioeconomy a “truly transformative pathway” to confront the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He linked South Africa’s efforts to its G20 Presidency, stressing continuity with Brazil’s 10 High-Level Principles for the Bioeconomy and global forums such as COP30.

Steenhuisen highlighted local innovations as proof of concept. He pointed to strawberry farmers in the Western Cape who are now using cellulose-based bioplastic mulching sheets that biodegrade after harvest, reducing costs and environmental impact. These sheets, developed through collaboration between the CSIR, farmers, and manufacturers, are now produced more affordably than fossil-fuel alternatives. He also cited vineyards deploying kelp and seaweed-based fertilisers that, according to him, have boosted yields by up to 60 percent while improving soil health and supporting carbon sequestration through kelp forests.

The Minister stressed that “financing the bioeconomy on a large scale is the driving force behind significant transformation,” calling for bio-bonds, lifeboat funds for high-risk innovation, and alignment of trade with climate goals. He framed bioeconomy financing as the key to lifting agriculture from a high-risk, commodity-driven sector to a globally competitive, resilient, and value-adding powerhouse.

Significance for South Africa’s Agriculture

The summit underscores multiple opportunities for South Africa’s agricultural sector. These include value-added processing, turning agricultural outputs and waste into bioplastics, bioenergy, and biopharmaceuticals; developing new revenue streams by cultivating speciality crops for high-value markets such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals; and building resilience through climate-resilient crops, bio-inputs, and regenerative farming practices.

Looking Ahead

Over the next two days, the summit will unveil investment vehicles, present successful case studies from across Africa, and hold dialogues on enabling policies and innovation ecosystems. With agriculture at the centre of Africa’s development agenda, the work done in Cape Town could prove decisive in shaping a profitable and sustainable bioeconomy for the continent.

SA Agriculture: Seizing Opportunities in a Challenging Season

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SA Agriculture: Seizing Opportunities in a Challenging Season

Speaking at the Roodebloem Farmers’ Day, held recently on 25 September 2025, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen (MP) reminded farmers that while the challenges facing the sector are very real, the future also holds opportunities that can be unlocked through innovation, collaboration, and resilience.

Under the theme “The Future of Agriculture in South Africa – Challenges and Opportunities”, Steenhuisen acknowledged the pressures created by drought, rising input costs, and global price shocks. He stressed that these obstacles should not define the sector’s trajectory, noting that South Africa’s farmers have consistently shown the ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity.

Policy Shifts to Unlock Growth

The Minister outlined several measures aimed at strengthening the sector. Chief among these is the automation of the wheat tariff system, which he described as urgent and essential. “This is not just a technical adjustment,” Steenhuisen said. “In a year like this one, with drought in the Overberg and international prices under pressure, tariff automation is about survival.”

L – R John Steenhuizen, Minister of Agriculture & Simon Dicks – Marketing Manager at Rovic

Another priority is cultivar innovation. Steenhuisen emphasised the need to relax certain release criteria, allowing for the introduction of higher-yielding varieties, while at the same time investing in new resilient cultivars, particularly white wheat, that combine yield potential with quality and long-term sustainability.

“We need cultivars that are more productive and resilient, without losing sight of quality,” he explained. “That is where science meets farming, and where our long-term competitiveness will be won or lost.”

Importantly, the Minister highlighted that these support measures must extend beyond wheat to include other strategic crops such as barley and canola. Both are critical to local brewers, oilseed processors, and feed industries. Ensuring their competitiveness through improved cultivars, fairer transport differentials, and stronger protection against global price shocks is essential for unlocking new opportunities across all grain value chains.
Steenhuisen also underscored the importance of preparing for a world where protective trade measures are making a comeback. This, he argued, means motivating for stronger tariffs when necessary to defend South African producers, while ensuring transport cost structures do not disadvantage inland farmers compared to their coastal counterparts.

A Spirit of Resilience

While the Minister acknowledged that it often feels as though challenges outweigh opportunities, he pointed to the resilience of farming communities as a source of hope. Every hectare of wheat, barley, or canola not only contributes to food security, but also sustains jobs, families, and rural livelihoods.

“The Overberg has always been known for its resilience,” Steenhuisen said. “Generations of farmers here have weathered droughts, low prices, and global shocks, yet time and again, they have bounced back stronger. If government and farmers stand together, the fields of this region – and indeed across South Africa – can continue to provide not only bread, but also opportunity for a brighter agricultural future.”

Charting a New Course for the Royal Agricultural Society

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Charting a New Course for the Royal Agricultural Society

The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of KwaZulu-Natal is entering a new era under the leadership of its recently appointed General Manager, Wayne Muller. After just two months in office, Muller has confirmed that the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show will run from 29 May to 3 June 2026 at Tweedie Hall in Howick, marking the Society’s 175th anniversary with a renewed focus on agriculture.

Royal Agricultural Society

Building on a Legacy

Muller’s appointment in May 2025 came at a pivotal moment for the RAS. Following a period of change—including the Society’s relocation from Pietermaritzburg, the retirement of long-serving CEO Terry Strachan, and the passing of President Mike Moncur—the RAS was unable to host a show in 2025. Now, with its milestone anniversary in 2026 on the horizon, Muller is determined to strengthen the Society’s agricultural identity.

“The 2026 Royal Show will be a full agricultural show, not just an exhibition,” he explained, underlining his vision to celebrate farming, agribusiness, and related commercial activity.

Connecting and Collaborating

Muller has wasted no time in reconnecting the RAS with its stakeholders. Even before his official start, he met with over 40 past and present staff members, committee leaders, sponsors, and exhibitors. Since then, he has attended AGMs, livestock sales, and tourism events across KZN, travelled to the Bloem Show to consult with exhibitors, and visited Pretoria to secure new sponsorships. His presence has also been felt at the KZN Bee Farmers honey competition in Eston. In the coming months, he will attend the National Youth Show in Upington, while the RAS continues its support for regional events such as the Berg and Underberg Shows.

At the RAS offices, Muller has directed his team to update the membership database, manage assets, and begin detailed planning for the 2026 Royal Show. “My staff and I inherit a 174-year legacy of history and remarkable contributions made by the Society to KZN, South Africa, and agriculture,” Muller said. “New venue, renewed focus, member value.”

With this vision, he is determined to honour the past while laying the foundation for a vibrant and relevant agricultural future.

SA Tech Leap Steals the Show at Fruit Attraction 2025

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SA Tech Leap Steals the Show at Fruit Attraction 2025

South Africa firmly established its position as a high-tech, reliable fresh produce supplier at the global trade show Fruit Attraction 2025 last week. Held from 30 September to 2 October in Madrid, the record-breaking event was greatly attended by suppliers from across the globe looking to solidify or expand their European export markets. While the fair was dominated by talk of high European production costs and strained logistics, the South African narrative focused on a proactive solution: the unveiling of an advanced digital model to future-proof its entire export chain.

The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), in partnership with Transnova, announced the critical Phase 2 results of its prescriptive logistics model, transforming it into a tactical, real-time decision-making tool.

Digital Twin Moves to Tactical Planning

The model, which utilises digital twin technology to replicate and simulate the complex export supply chain, has shifted from high-level insights to providing actionable, regional-level plans. During the 2024/25 export season, the tool was run fortnightly, producing regionalised container allocation strategies presented across ten grower sessions.

This tactical focus is vital for mitigating the logistical risks that have plagued South African ports in recent years. By providing growers with optimal route-to-market plans under different port conditions, the model demonstrates the specific cost-saving benefits of following an optimal strategy and highlights the losses incurred by failing to react to disruptions.

Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI, underscored the significance of the move. “Phase 2 has proven the model’s tactical value. For the first time, producers can see clear, region-specific options to navigate disruptions and protect margins. It’s a step-change for our industry,” she said.

SA Market Impact Confirmed

The strong, technology-backed presence of South African produce was not just a domestic success story; it had an immediate and measurable impact on competitors.

In a key market indicator reported at the fair, Spanish growers voiced concerns over high local production costs and an expected small citrus harvest. Most tellingly, they cited a “big overlap” with mandarins from South Africa as a reason they were delaying the start of their own citrus campaigns. This confirmed that South Africa’s export volumes are strategically timed and competitive enough to force a re-evaluation by local European producers.

The event served as the premier stage for finalising sales programmes, and South Africa’s emphasis on data-driven reliability provided a clear competitive advantage for local suppliers over rivals focused primarily on market access compliance.

Securing National Export Resilience

The ultimate vision for the logistics model extends far beyond table grapes, making this a strategic national announcement. Plans are already underway to expand the model to other key fresh produce exports, such as citrus and stone fruit, creating a unified, holistic view of the country’s perishable export chain.

This expansion is about national economic resilience and maintaining South Africa’s global reputation. Carsten Schubert, MD of Transnova, highlighted the broader implications: “This is more than a logistics tool — it’s a competitive advantage. By expanding it across fresh produce sectors, we can strengthen South Africa’s position in global markets while reducing costs and risks for exporters.”

Fruit Attraction 2025 was a definitive success for South Africa, proving that its strategy of combining quality produce with cutting-edge digital technology is the key to remaining a trusted, resilient, and commercially sustainable supplier in a fiercely competitive global market.

South African Agriculture Pivots to a New Era of Opportunity

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South African Agriculture Pivots to a New Era of Opportunity

For the past two months we have reflected on the storms that battered South African agriculture—tariffs, trade uncertainty, climate pressures, and infrastructure bottlenecks. But opportunity does not simply arrive—it is created by those who act. The time has come to stop looking back at challenges and start seizing the possibilities ahead.

South Africa’s agricultural sector is now moving decisively, turning risk into reward, and positioning itself as a resilient, innovative force in the global food economy.

Turning Tariffs into Opportunities

The imposition of a 30% US tariff on key exports shocked farmers and exporters, but leaders warn that paralysis is the real risk. The US remains a “fantastic market,” offering counter-seasonal opportunities for fruit such as citrus, grapes, and berries, alongside high-value exports like wine. Strong relationships with US buyers are helping exporters weather the storm, proving that reputation is as valuable as product. The bigger opportunity lies in diversification—pursuing new markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East where demand is booming.

The latest Agbiz report identifies untapped export potential exceeding USD 2 billion in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea.

These markets, dependent on imports and open to new partnerships, are hungry for South African fruit, wine, meat, and processed foods. While agriculture pushes for liberalisation, policymakers must also balance sensitivities in other industries, making this opportunity both bold and strategic.

Growth Opportunities Across Value Chains

Despite global turbulence, agriculture is proving remarkably resilient, with 13.8% year-on-year growth. Fruit remains a powerhouse: lemon and macadamia prices have rebounded, table grape exports surged with better port efficiency, and Botswana’s reopening boosted fruit and vegetable trade across the region. Livestock is also turning a corner—falling feed prices and improved control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease are strengthening profitability.

The Spirit of Ubuntu (“I am because you are”)

At the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Somerset West during September, the spirit of Ubuntu shaped new initiatives: climate-smart insurance, blended finance compacts, and skills deals for women and youth. These are not promises, but practical tools to expand opportunity across the sector.

At home, technology is also reshaping farming—from satellite irrigation to real-time soil sensors—making production more sustainable and globally competitive. Biosecurity, once a burden, is now a differentiator, opening doors to premium markets through traceability and reliability.

What We Must Do to Make a Difference

South Africa’s future in agriculture depends on action. To stay globally competitive, the sector must diversify markets and strengthen logistics, while investing in innovation and ensuring that new technologies are accessible to all farmers. Building trust through robust biosecurity and strong trade relationships will be essential, alongside creating space for women and youth so that opportunity is shared widely. At the same time, leveraging finance and insurance can turn risks into growth platforms, ensuring resilience and long-term prosperity.

The only real risk is doing nothing. After two months of reflecting on our challenges, this is the moment to act. Our story is no longer one of survival—it is one of opportunity. The difference will be made by what we choose to do next.

Saai Karoo Landboufees bring boere, jeug en gemeenskap saam in Laingsburg

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Saai Karoo Landboufees bring boere, jeug en gemeenskap saam in Laingsburg

Die Saai Karoo Landboufees vind op 24 en 25 Oktober 2025 op Laingsburg plaas en beloof om boere, gemeenskappe én jong leerders byeen te bring vir twee dae van kennis, inspirasie en kuier. Die fees, wat vanjaar vir die vierde keer aangebied word, is reeds ’n gevestigde hoogtepunt op die landboukalender.

Die fees word Vrydagmiddag amptelik geopen deur die Wes-Kaapse Minister van Landbou, dr. Ivan Meyer. Daarna neem hy saam met dr. Theo de Jager en dr. Dirk Troskie deel aan ’n gespreksforum oor “Landbou in die nuwe globale landskap – uitdagings en geleenthede”, met Heindrich Wyngaard as fasiliteerder. Hierdie gesprek bring beleidsmakers, kenners en boere byeen – ’n waardevolle geleentheid om nuwe insigte te verkry en oplossings te deel. Amore Bekker bied die damesoggend aan.

Laingsburg

Landbou, tegnologie en jeug in die kollig

KKSK bied ’n addisionele inligtingsessie vir produsente aan, met spesiale fokus op die vinnig-groei-ende uiebedryf in die Karoo. Meer as 60 uitstallers, insluitend van die land se voorste maatskappye, gaan hul jongste produkte en tegnologiese oplossings bekendstel. Dit verseker dat boere in die platteland ingelig bly oor die nuutste wetenskaplike en praktiese ontwikkelings in landbou.

Die jong boere van môre kry ook die kollig: die Departement Landbou Wes-Kaap bied praktiese demonstrasies en opleidingsessies aan jong leerders, terwyl die drie grootste landbouskole in die provinsie meeding met hul eie patente en modelle. Hierdie kompetisie dien as duidelike bewys dat landbou-innovasie reeds diep onder jongmense gewortel is.

Benewens die landbouprogram wag daar ’n fees van kos, vermaak en Karoo-gasvryheid op besoekers. Dit is die ideale geleentheid om saam met familie en vriende ’n dag of die hele naweek te kom geniet. Saai se betrokkenheid onderstreep hul missie: om die familieboer op die plaas en in die gemeenskap te hou.

Vir meer inligting kontak Ronika Groenewald by 083 483 0163

 NAMPO ALFA 2025 Beloof ‘n Trio van Landbou-Uitnemendheid

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 NAMPO ALFA 2025 Beloof ‘n Trio van Landbou-Uitnemendheid

Die landboukalender in Suid-Afrika word gekenmerk deur sleutelgebeurtenisse wat die boeregemeenskap byeenbring, en die NAMPO ALFA vee-, jag- en buitelug-ekspo staan uit as ‘n beduidende hoogtepunt.

Hierdie ekspo, wat van 16 tot 18 Oktober 2025 by die NAMPO Park in Bothaville plaasvind, is meer as net ‘n byeenkoms; dit is ‘n dinamiese platform wat ontwerp is om die pilare van winsgewendheid en volhoubaarheid binne die landbousektor te vier en te bevorder. As ‘n gefokusde uitbreiding van die bekende NAMPO Oesdag, het NAMPO ALFA sy eie nis suksesvol gevestig deur vee, jag en buitelugaktiwiteite in ‘n enkele, omvattende geleentheid te integreer.

’n Uitstalling van vee-uitnemendheid

Een van die hoekstene van NAMPO ALFA is die fokus op vee, met ‘n besondere klem op die uitstal van topklas genetika en innoverende veekundige praktyke. Die ekspo sal die gesogte Nasionale Interras-kampioenskap aanbied, ‘n kompetisie wat die beste van Suid-Afrika se vee ten toon stel. Die wenners word tydens die eksklusiewe ALFA-ete op Vrydag 17 Oktober 2025 aangekondig – ’n geleentheid waar die room van die bedryf byeenkom.

Nog ‘n groot trekpleister is die finale van die Lamb Champs-kampioenskap, waar streekwenners meeding om die nasionale titel. Hierdie kompetisie toets vaardigheid met lewende beoordeling, karkas- en vleisgehalte-evaluering en ’n spitbraai deur professionele sjefs.

 NAMPO ALFA 2025

Die geleentheid bevorder ook toekomstige talent deur die Jeugparade, waar skole met trots hul diere in ‘n lewendige optog ten toon stel.

Interaktiewe aktiwiteite en kompetisies

NAMPO ALFA word gevier vir sy interaktiewe en innemende program wat verder strek as tradisionele uitstallings. Die ekspo bied ‘n reeks praktiese aktiwiteite, van die 4×4-demonstrasies, waar besoekers voertuie op ‘n gespesialiseerde baan kan toets, tot die agrivaardigheidskompetisie, wat praktiese boerderykennis en behendigheid toets.

Die geleentheid voorsien ook vir jag- en buitelug-entoesiaste met ‘n verskeidenheid skietkompetisies, insluitend ‘n vriendelike teikenskietkompetisie vir skole en klubs, sowel as meer ernstige kleiduif- en pistool-vinnige skietgeleenthede vir deelnemers 16 jaar en ouer. Hierdie program bied iets vir almal, van ervare boere tot nuuskierige nuwelinge

Die ekonomiese en maatskaplike betekenis

Die belangrikheid van NAMPO ALFA vir die landbougemeenskap kan nie oorbeklemtoon word nie. Deur ‘n groot netwerk van uitstallers, produsente en diensverskaffers bymekaar te bring, dien dit as ‘n noodsaaklike ekonomiese dryfveer vir die streek.

 NAMPO ALFA 2025

Dit bied ‘n platform vir maatskappye om nuwe produkte bekend te stel en vir boere om die nuutste tegnologieë en tendense te ontdek wat hul bedrywighede kan verbeter. Die ekspo se verbintenis tot die uitlig van beide winsgewendheid en volhoubaarheid is ‘n sleutelfaktor in sy relevansie, aangesien dit die moderne uitdagings wat die landbousektor in die gesig staar, aanspreek.

Uiteindelik is NAMPO ALFA ‘n bewys van die krag en veerkragtigheid van Suid-Afrika se boerderygemeenskap en dien dit as ‘n middelpunt waar innovasie en tradisie ontmoet, en waar die toekoms van landbou gevier word.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.nampoalfa.co.za

Pinotage Centenary Events to Unite Wine Lovers Across South Africa

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Pinotage Centenary Events to Unite Wine Lovers Across South Africa

South Africa’s proudly homegrown grape, Pinotage, turns 100 this year, and the celebrations will be as diverse as the regions where the varietal thrives. A century ago, Professor Abraham Izak Perold of Stellenbosch University crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, creating a grape that has become both a national treasure and a global ambassador for the Cape Winelands.

This centenary is anchored by the 2025 Absa Top 20 Pinotage Finalists, drawn from 120 entries representing 68 producers across Stellenbosch, Simonsberg, Durbanville, Paarl, Swartland, Breedekloof, Wellington, and the Olifants River. According to Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association, the finalists “embody everything this variety stands for—heritage, tenacity, and the ability to tell South Africa’s story through wine.”

Events

The commemorations begin at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville, one of Pinotage’s founding homes. On 9 October the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards take place, followed by the Absa Perold Cape Blend and Rosé Awards on 10 October, and a Pinotage Party on 11 October. That same day, International Pinotage Day will be celebrated nationwide, with estates across South Africa offering tastings, tours, and special activations.

Later in the month, on 18 October, Stellenbosch will host the Klub1000 and Pinotage Association’s “’n Winemaker, ’n Storie en ’n Liedjie” event, blending wine, storytelling, and song. The festivities continue into November, beginning on 1 November in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands at Duma Manzi Lodge, where guests can enjoy Pinotage and Padel, Sip and Paint with Pinotage, and a Dinner with Pinotage. On 15 November, the Pretoria Country Club will host its own Pinotage 100 Festival, combining fine dining, exceptional wine, and an auction to benefit community initiatives. The season concludes on 25 November at Die Boer Restaurant in Durbanville with Proe die Beste, a showcase of top wines and culinary pairings.

While these flagship events set the stage, wine estates across South Africa will host their own celebrations throughout October and November, ensuring that wine lovers from every region can raise a glass to 100 years of Pinotage.

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