This theme is historical, grounding, and powerful. It acknowledges the complex history of wine in South Africa while celebrating the triumphant rise of Black excellence in the industry. It's about looking back to understand the soil from which new growth emerges.The day explores the deep roots—both agricultural and cultural—of winemaking and land in Africa, leading into the stories of modern pioneers who are building new legacies across the globe.

• Welcome Address: Tuanni Price, Founder Afro Wine Week

• Opening Keynote: Decolonizing the Vineyard: A Historical Perspective on Land and Labour in the Cape Winelands.- Paul Siguqua

• Featured Presenter: The Verdict on the Vine: From Trial Lawyer to Trailblazing Vintner -Theodora Lee 

• Panel Discussion: New Roots: How First-Generation Founders are Shaping the Future of Wine

• Workshop: Building Your Brand on a Foundation of Heritage: A Storytelling Masterclass, From Cape Town to the World: Mastering Export and Global Distribution, Palate & Prejudice: A Blind Tasting Workshop on Overcoming Bias

Closing Remarks: Investing in the Next Vintage: How Strategic Philanthropy Cultivates Future Wine Leaders

Welcome Address: Tuanni Price, Founder of Afro Wine Week

Opening Keynote: Paul Siguqua, Owner Klein Goederust

Title: Decolonizing the Vineyard: A Historical Perspective on Land and Labour in the Cape Winelands

There are few voices more qualified to speak on the journey of land and labour in the Cape Winelands than Paul Siguqa. As the pioneering owner of Klein Goederust, he is transforming the wine region where his own mother once laboured into a beacon of culture, community and Black ownership.His keynote will offer a personal look at the industry's colonial roots, filtered through the lens of his family's history and his own entrepreneurial journey. This session provides the critical framework needed to understand the path from historical injustice to a more equitable and empowered future in wine.

Featured Presenter: Theodora Lee

Title: The Verdict on the Vine: From Trial Lawyer to Trailblazing Vintner

Celebrated "Super Lawyer" and vintner Theodora Lee shares the story and the strategy behind her nationally acclaimed brand, Theopolis Vineyards. Learn how she translated the tenacity of the courtroom into a blueprint for success, turning a passion for growing grapes into a high-demand, profitable enterprise. She will detail her strategic steps, challenges, and triumphs in this inspiring session on building a brand that lasts.

Closing Remarks: Investing in the Next Vintage: How Strategic Philanthropy Cultivates Future Wine Leaders - Roger Domingo ,Executive Director- Pinotage Youth Development Academy

New Roots: How First-Generation Founders are Shaping the Future of Wine

The wine industry is being transformed by a new generation of first-generation entrepreneurs. This discussion will delve into the essence of their journey.

Our distinguished panel of pioneering founders will address critical questions:

• How can a wine brand be built from the ground up without prior industry connections?

• What distinct challenges and opportunities do Black founders encounter in the global wine market?

• In what ways are they revolutionizing how we market, taste, and connect through wine?

• What does an inclusive wine industry, shaped by their vision, look like in the future?

Prepare to be inspired by their compelling stories of resilience, innovation, and passion. Gain invaluable insights into the business and culture of wine from those who are actively shaping its future.

Panelist: Rudger van Wyk, Berene Sauls, Paul Siguqua, Theodora Lee, . Moderated by Ishay Govender

From Cape Town to the World: Mastering Export and Global Distribution

Description: Getting your wine into the world is the challenge. This practical workshop tackles the complexities of international trade. Led by logistics and export experts, it covers navigating tariffs and regulations, finding and managing distributors in key markets (like the US, UK, and Europe), and developing a successful pricing strategy for global growth.  Hosted by Phil Bowes- SA Wines, Gwen Job- House of Boniwine, Chinedu Rosa - Vines By Rosa 

Palate & Prejudice: A Blind Tasting Workshop on Overcoming Bias | Description: A fascinating and provocative tasting experience. Led by a Certified Sommelier, this session challenges attendees to confront their own biases. Tasting a curated flight of wines completely blind—without knowledge of the producer, price, or region—sparks a powerful conversation about how perception and prejudice influence our assessment of quality and value in the wine world.  Hosted by Tinashe Nyamudoka

Building Your Brand on a Foundation of Heritage: A Storytelling Masterclass

Description: Learn to transform your personal history into your most powerful marketing tool. This practical storytelling masterclass guides you through the process of identifying your unique heritage narrative and weaving it into the DNA of your brand. You'll leave with actionable strategies for your packaging, website, and social media to build a brand that connects authentically and stands out in a crowd. Hosted by Theodora Lee, Solange Jacobs, Richard Holt, Paul Siguqa