The annual Wine Harvest Commemorative event took place on Wednesday 2 February, honouring four trailblazers of the South African wine industry.
The event, which took place at Groot Constantia Wine Estate in Cape Town, celebrated the birth of the wine industry and bestowed a blessing on the new harvest for the year.
“The annual Wine Harvest Commemorative event is a much-anticipated date on the wine industry’s calendar – not only because we are able to celebrate the start of the industry in SA and bless the new harvest, but also because we are able to celebrate these extraordinary individuals,” said Dr Ernest Messina, Chairperson of Groot Constantia.
Awards were given in the following categories: Visionary Leadership, Diversity and Transformation, Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement, and Viticulture and Wine Creation.
Carmen Stevens, a Stellenbosch resident, received the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award, an award once bestowed on Nelson Mandela, according to Stevens. She is the first black South African allowed to study winemaking in 1995, and is the founder of the first 100% black woman-owned winery based in Stellenbosch, Carmen Stevens Wines Ltd.
“I was refused [enrolment] three times because they did not allow people of colour to study winemaking,” she recalled. “I didn’t care what they said and kept applying. Eventually they had to take me. I guess that is part of what the award is about – not just taking a back seat, but insisting this is what I want to do and am working for.”
The Diversity and Transformation award was bestowed on Denise Stubbs, a Pniël resident, who is currently the Managing Director of Thokozani. She played a key role in the creation of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment initiative that encompasses wine, conferencing, hospitality and property business interests, according to the media statement.
“It means a great deal to me that I have earned the trust, respect and confidence of the key role players in the industry. I assure you I am ready to tackle new challenges and continue to do all I can to be a contributing, positive, effective leader in the industry,” said Stubbs.
Stevens noted this is the first time two women of colour have been honoured and recognised for their contribution to the industry.
Francois Viljoen, a Paarl resident, received the Recognition for Viticulture and Wine Creation award. He has worked as a viticulturist in the South African wine industry for the past 36 years and was the manager of Vinpro’s consultation services for 20 years.
“These events could not take place over the past two years [due to the pandemic], and it’s great to see these events again and to connect with one another,” said Viljoen.
“There are so many people involved in the wine industry, from the vineyards to the cellar and marketing, and they are all pioneers and hard working. And it’s wonderful to recognise these people and I am humbled to accept this award.”
Christine Rudman has been honoured as the recipient in the Wine Appreciation and Wine Advancement category. With over four decades of experience in the industry, Rudman has made immense contributions in many different fields – working as a brand manager, marketing manager, the Principal of the Cape Wine Academy and Chairperson of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters.
Rudman has also tasted on international and local panels and judged various awards. She has also contributed to the internationally acclaimed annual Platters Wine Guide, Wineland, Classic Wine, the Best Value Guide and Wine Tourism Handbook, according to the media statement.
“It was an honour and a privilege to give due recognition to these industry role players who have delivered exceptional influence to the South African wine sector over the years,” said Messina.
