In 1954, the Department of Agriculture identified the physical and genetic status of plant material as the most important factors contributing to the increase of agricultural production in South Africa. In 1964, the South African Plant Improvement Association was established to pay particular attention to these aspects of plant material for the wine and deciduous fruit industries. The Department of Agriculture's quarantine facility in Stellenbosch initially identified and tested the deciduous fruit and wine grape varieties (many still used today) to identify virus-free clones and make it available to the industry.

The initial Vine Improvement Association (VIA) was founded in 1986. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture decided in 1988 that they could no longer take responsibility for plant improvement management alone. Following this, the Plant Certification Scheme for Wine Grapes was promulgated under the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act No. 53 of 1976) in 1990. The nurseries and producers became full-fledged members of the VIA in 1993.

Table - and drying grapes initially handled resorted with deciduous fruit within the Deciduous Fruit Plant Certification Scheme. However, in November 2017, the two Boards jointly decided to move the table- and drying grape varieties from the DPA to the VIA in order to manage all vines within the VIA framework.

The Scheme is not compulsory and participation by any organization importing, breeding or selecting new varieties, any nursery or any organization representing producers, is wholly voluntary. However, over 90% of all wine grapes are managed within the scheme, while approximately half of the table - and drying grape vines produced annually are certified.

To promote the interests of members through plant improvement and plant certification of vine propagation material in the interest of the South African Wine-, Table- and Drying Grape Industry.

To exercise the authority, the performance of functions and execution of duties as assigned under the Plant Certification Scheme for Vitis in terms of the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act No. 53 of 1976) to the Executive Council as the authority conferred.

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