History was made last week when Blaauwklippen’s head winemaker, Narina Cloete, was crowned Woman Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious LUMO Awards.
This honour places Cloete, who has led the estate’s winemaking team since 2016, at the forefront of a growing shift in South Africa’s wine industry, where women are increasingly recognised as standard-bearers of excellence and innovation.
At the same ceremony, Blaauwklippen received four major honours, earning Double Gold awards for its 2023 chardonnay and 2022 cabernet sauvignon, and Gold awards for its 2022 malbec and 2020 De Blaauwe Klip vintages.
“Wine tells a story of people and places, and few places have as rich a history as Stellenbosch as the home of some of the world’s most celebrated wines,” Cloete said.
“I’m incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated team at Blaauwklippen and to see our wines recognised alongside the many outstanding wines produced in Stellenbosch. This award is not only a personal honour, but also serves as an important celebration of the women working to bring fresh vision to South African wine.”
RESHAPING THE INDUSTRY
While honoured to receive the Woman Winemaker of the Year award, Cloete said the recognition is shared with those who helped craft the wines, as well as the women who paved the way before her.
She is part of a broader generation of women reshaping SA winemaking, from viticulturists and cellar masters to business leaders and marketers.
Together, these female industry leaders are working to draw on SA’s storied history while bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas to winemaking, and expanding the global reach of local brands.
“Many of the country’s most innovative wines today are being crafted by women. Viniculture is about finding balance – on the vineyard, in every cask, and in every bottle. By nurturing the talents of female winemakers, we are moving toward even greater balance, ensuring that men and women shape the industry in equal measure.”
‘VISIBILITY IS POWER’
The LUMO Awards are judged exclusively by women, but welcome entries from all producers. Special recognition is reserved for woman-led wineries, ensuring that women’s leadership is visible in a field where it has historically been underrepresented.
Cloete was recognised for her overall excellence in the craft and impact on the industry over the past two decades.
After graduating cum laude in oenology from Stellenbosch University, she worked harvests at Glen Carlou, Dornier, AA Badenhorst, and Stellenzicht, honing her skills before becoming head winemaker at Quoin Rock in 2010.
She later joined Blaauwklippen, where she has built a reputation for consistency, artistry, and the ability to bring out the unique expression of Stellenbosch’s environment.
Cloete has also served as a judge on many respected panels, including the Veritas Awards, the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, and Spain’s Zarcillo International Wine Competition. She remains committed to ensuring that SA wine retains its identity.
“Visibility is power. When young women see awards celebrating other women, it tells them that they belong, and can compete at the highest levels. Our responsibility is to keep opening those pathways for them to succeed.”
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