A journey that began 30 years ago
30 years of Kapweine means 30 years of passion for South Africa, for great wines and for the people behind the bottles. What began in the mid-1990s with enthusiasm, curiosity and a first small wine portfolio is now a well-established name for South African wine in Switzerland.
The history of Kapweine is closely linked to Andy Zimmermann. His first visit to South Africa in 1990 left a lasting impression. In 1995, he moved with his family to the Cape and shortly thereafter put together the first wines that laid the foundation for Kapweine. Today, Kapweine is considered the largest importer of premium wines from South Africa in Switzerland.
South Africa in transition
In the last 30 years, South Africa's wine world has also changed impressively. After the end of apartheid and the democratic opening in 1994, the wine industry became more internationally visible, dynamic and quality-oriented. New generations of winemakers brought fresh ideas, more precision and a stronger awareness of origin, sustainability and terroir.
Today, South Africa stands for a wine landscape full of diversity. Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cinsault and MCC sparkling wines show how broad and exciting the Cape has become. At the same time, old vines, smaller producers and terroir-driven wines are gaining more and more attention.
A wine country with history
South Africa is one of the few wine countries in the world that can precisely date the beginning of its wine production. On February 2, 1659, wine was made for the first time at the Cape from grapes grown there. This historical moment led to a wine tradition over centuries that is more modern and vibrant today than ever before.
The current figures also show the importance of the wine industry today. According to Wines of South Africa, more than 2,255 producers cultivate around 86,544 hectares of vineyards, and over 270,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in the South African wine industry. In 2024, South Africa exported 306.1 million liters of wine.
Kapweine as a bridge between Switzerland and South Africa
Kapweine has accompanied this development over three decades. Not from a distance, but with personal proximity to producers, wineries and regions. Many relationships have grown over the years. Suppliers became partners, wines became stories and customers became a community that wants to experience South Africa in a glass.
It was never just about well-known names. Kapweine has always looked for new producers, mature vintages, rare bottles and surprising discoveries. This exact mix still defines the assortment today.
A wine country with history
South Africa is one of the few wine countries in the world that can precisely date the beginning of its wine production. On February 2, 1659, wine was made for the first time at the Cape from grapes grown there. This historical moment led to a wine tradition over centuries that is more modern and vibrant today than ever before.
The current figures also show the importance of the wine industry today. According to Wines of South Africa, more than 2,255 producers cultivate around 86,544 hectares of vineyards, and over 270,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in the South African wine industry. In 2024, South Africa exported 306.1 million liters of wine.
Kapweine as a bridge between Switzerland and South Africa
Kapweine has accompanied this development over three decades. Not from a distance, but with personal proximity to producers, wineries and regions. Many relationships have grown over the years. Suppliers became partners, wines became stories and customers became a community that wants to experience South Africa in a glass.
It was never just about well-known names. Kapweine has always looked for new producers, mature vintages, rare bottles and surprising discoveries. This exact mix still defines the assortment today.
Our Anniversary World
For our 30th anniversary, we invite you on a journey through three decades of Kapweine. This main page is the entry point to our anniversary world and connects all the topics that will follow in the coming weeks.
Thank you for 30 years of trust
30 years of Kapweine is more than just an anniversary. It is a moment of gratitude. For every order, every conversation, every tasting, every event and for all the people who have shared our enthusiasm for South Africa over the past three decades. We know that the wine world is changing. Global wine sales are under pressure, consumption habits are evolving, and many customers are making more conscious choices than before. At the same time, at Kapweine, we are experiencing something that motivates us greatly: Interest in South African wine continues to grow. More and more people are discovering the quality, diversity, and uniqueness of wines from the Cape.
Perhaps this is precisely South Africa's strength. The wines tell stories of origin, people, old vines, courageous producers, and a wine world that is constantly evolving. They are not interchangeable but full of character. This is exactly what many wine lovers are looking for more than ever today. That's why we look back with great joy and forward with equal confidence. The past 30 years have been characterized by passion, curiosity, and many special moments. For the next at least 30 years, we wish to continue this journey together. With new wines, new stories, new encounters, and the same enthusiasm with which it all began.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to 30 years of Kapweine and to everything yet to come.
