The formal seminars (2 per day) are topic driven, detailed seminars with panels of up to 5 speakers per session, taking place at meeting room 1.6 on level 1 at the CTICC across all 3 show days.

Each theme’s speakers will be experts that provide deeper insights into the subject at hand, alongside up to 12 wines that tie in to the theme.

A total number of 80 visitors can comfortably be seated in a classroom-style on a first come, first served basis.

A total number of 6 seminars is planned with two hour-long daily sessions starting at 10:30 and 14:00.

More information on seminar themes to follow.

Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Morning Seminar:

Time:  11:00 – 12:00

Cultivating for the Future – Starting From the Roots

Join us for an enlightening session dedicated to the importance of roots in cultivating vines to stand the test of time. This discussion will delve into the unseen heroes of viticulture—the intricate root systems that anchor vines and influence grape quality. Experts will uncover how climate, soil attributes, vineyard design, and rootstock selection contribute to resilience and terroir expression, shaping the essence of exceptional Cape wines. Whether you're a vintner, wine enthusiast, or student of agriculture, this session offers valuable insights into fostering thriving vineyards in an uncertain future. Engage in an insightful wine tasting experience that underscores roots as the cornerstone of fine wine.

Panellists:

Moderator: Jono le Feuvre, Wine Communicator, HanDrinksSolo

Dr Tara Southey, Founder, TerraClim

Heinrich Schloms, Soil scientist & GIS Specialist, Vinpro

Emma Carkeek, Manager, Knowledge & Technology Transfer, Vinpro

Dr Etienne Terblanche, Manager Consultation Services, Vinpro

Afternoon Seminar:

Time:  14:00 – 15:00

Our Warmest Welcome – An Expression of Place

Embark on a sensory journey across South Africa’s diverse wine regions in this immersive tasting seminar. Four leading winemakers present wines that embody their region’s terroir, telling stories of soil, climate, and culture—from the cool slopes of Hemel-en-Aarde to the sunlit vineyards of Robertson. Moderated by a local expert, this hour-long session explores the connection between place, provenance and shaping strong regional wine and destination identities.

Panellists:

Moderator: Jonathan Steyn, UCT Graduate School of Business

Berene Sauls, Tesselaarsdal, Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley

Philip Jonker, Weltevrede, Robertson Wine Valley

Andrea Mullineux, Mullineux Wines, Swartland Wine & Olive

Ntsiki Biyela, Aslina Wines, Stellenbosch Wine Routes

Thursday, 11 September 2025

Morning Seminar:

Time:  10:30 – 11:30

A Welcoming Journey Through the Versatility of Pinotage

This captivating seminar explores the versatility of Pinotage through a variety of expressions and voices — from classic reds to rosé and even dessert wine. The expert panel features voices from viticulture, winemaking, marketing and hospitality. With each wine matched to a specialist, discover how Pinotage has evolved over 100 years and why it continues to impress globally across styles, pairings, and markets.

Panellists:

Moderator: Samarie Smith

Abrie Beeslaar, Winemaker, Beeslaar Wines

André Franzsen, Sales and Marketing, Beyerskloof Wines

Dirk Coetzee, Viticulturist, L’Avenir

Luyanda Bushla, Sommelier 12 Apostles Hotel

Afternoon Seminar:

Time:  14:00 – 15:00

Regenerative Agriculture: Panacea or Pipe Dream

As sustainability shifts from buzzword to baseline, the global wine trade is turning its gaze toward regenerative viticulture. But is it scalable, or simply romantic?

Join this seminar to unpack definitions, debate innovations, and explore whether regenerative farming can meaningfully shape wine quality.

From soil to social impact, this session, offers a provocative deep-dive into one of wine’s most pressing—and polarizing—agricultural frontiers.

Panellists:

Moderator: Jono Le Feuvre

Wilhelm Joubert, Viticulturist, Hartenberg Wine Estate

Johan Reynecke, Winemaker, Reynecke Wines

Corlea Fourie, Winemaker, Bosman Family Wines

Rolf Pretorius, True Quest for SavoryHub SA

Friday, 12 September 2025

Morning Seminar:

Time:  10:30 – 11:30

Historical and Heritage Estates that are still Flourishing Today

The South African wine industry with its tradition of winemaking since 1659 has developed from its historical roots to a vibrant and dynamic industry that is recognised internationally. This seminar will focus on the role that historical and heritage estates has played over the time and are still flourishing today.

>The participants include some of the first official wine estates from September 1973 with the introduction of the Wine of Origin control system and some historical wine estates from the late 1600’s and early 1700’s that still adhere to the principle of producing wines that are made, bottled and produced on the estate. Wines from current and older vintages will be showcased during this session.

Panellists:

Moderator: Bennie Howard

Daniel Keulder, Cellar Master, Groot Constantia

Bertho van der Westhuizen, Cellar Master, Alto

Jean Engelbrecht, Proprietor, Rust en Vrede

Afternoon Seminar:

Time:  14:00 – 15:00

Theme: TBC

TBC

Panellists:

TBC