[6] In February 1832, the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society started collecting money for a prize to offer to a farmer who submitted the best sample of Madeira wine.

[10]: 149 In 1836, the society presented a cup to a merchant, Captain Robb, for his services in importing Angora goats and sheep.

[14] In 1952, the society established the General Smuts Trophy for the best South African wine of the year.

[15] As of 2023[update], the General Smuts Trophy is still awarded as part of the South African Young Wine Show.

Princess Anne wrote a letter of congratulation to the organisation from Buckingham Palace in her capacity as president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.