WineLand Media and ROTOCON celebrated 30 South African wine industry rising stars at a special lunch on 30 May 2025 at Scape Restaurant, Vrymansfontein, Paarl.
The 30 under 30 event brings together talented young professionals and respected industry names to recognise their potential and build connections. Guests included South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson, winemaker Richard Kershaw MW, and 2024 30-under-30 alumni Tinashe Masuro, who returned as MC. “We’re all here for the same purpose: to advance the wine and the hospitality industry,” he said. “We want to see South Africa become a beacon of hope in the wine world.”
Each year, WineLand Media’s June issue features 30 young people making waves in wine – from winemakers and viticulturists to marketers and sommeliers.
“These young professionals are showing us what the future of wine looks like,” says Wanda Augustyn, editor of WineLand Media. “They bring new ideas, energy and a strong sense of purpose. It’s inspiring to see how seriously they take their roles – making or selling wine and shaping where the industry is going.”
A highlight of the day was the announcement of the 2025 Luminary Award, which went to Tatenda Matsikiwa, head wine ambassador at Simonsig. This award recognises one standout individual who shows exceptional promise and leadership. “I always say wine chose me, I didn’t choose wine,” he said. “Thank you for this honour. To my fellow 30 under 30’s, I say: never stop, perseverance always pays off.”

Tatenda Matsikiwa, head wine ambassador at Simonsig.
As a loyal supporter of South Africa’s young talent, ROTOCON affirmed the company’s commitment to promoting the industry’s future leaders. “Winemaking isn’t just a craft, it’s also a way of thinking and living that offers lessons on how to grow, thrive and make an impact,” says ROTOCON CEO Michael Aengenvoort. “You can’t fast-track greatness. A meaningful life takes time, integrity and collaboration to craft. Invest in your passions, support one another and savour every opportunity to grow. The future of our industry and our world depends on the creativity and character you bring to the table.”
ROTOCON was accompanied by delegations from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and SA Litho Label Printers, which included the young winners of their annual label design competition.
This year’s event was co-sponsored by auric barrels, represented by their agent for the South African market, Birgit Davies. “Wine isn’t just about how it’s made; it’s also the story of how it’s shared and enjoyed – a social thread that connects people,” she said. “You build on what came before, while boldly doing what hasn’t been tried. That’s the spirit South Africa needs. Congratulations to every one of you. We see you, we celebrate you, and we are with you every step of the way.”
The 30 candidates featured in the June 2025 issue are:
Marnich Aucamp, Assistant Winemaker, Stellenbosch Vineyards
Lara Barnard, Assistant Winemaker, Rust en Vrede
Casey-Leigh Bushby, Assistant Red Winemaker, Heineken
Pieter Coetzee, Winemaker, Quoin Rock
John David Scholtz, Assistant Winemaker, Villion Family Wines
Janco de Kock, Production Winemaker, Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards
Suné de Lange, Brand Manager and Regional Sales Director: UK and USA at MAN Family Wines
Mia du Plessis, Assistant Winemaker, Tokara
Hylton Gibson, Assistant Winemaker, Restless River
Julia Joubert, Export Manager, Robinson & Sinclair
Madison Keyser, Marketing Associate, Iwayini; Administration and Marketing Chardonnay Association; Memberships Manager, Areni Global
Rethabile Kgatlhane, Managing Director, Tipsy Twenties Winery
Jeremy Maarschalk, Digital Marketing and PR Manager, Waterford Estate
Gwendeli Marais, Winemaker, Cederberg Wines
Tatenda Matsikiwa, Head Wine Ambassador, Simonsig
Chinielle McNiel, Tasting Room Assistant, Van Loveren Family Vineyards
Sinesipho Millicent Kuku, Junior Wine Advisor, Stark-Condé Wines
Lethabo Mothwa, Head Sommelier, Marriott Melrose Arch
Enrico Nel, Sales and Marketing Manager, CAPREO
Kelsey Nel, Winemaker, Hartenberg
Jeanne Pienaar, Winemaker, Spookfontein
Micyla Pienaar, Consumer Manager, DeMorgenzon
Marischen Reynicke, Laboratory Assistant, Deetlefs Landgoed
Junelle Rossouw, Assistant Winemaker, Saxenburg
Nicholas Swart, Marketing Manager, Pellenc
Eonay Terblanche, Marketing Manager, Eikendal Vineyards
Lian van der Merwe, Tasting Room Manager, Muratie
Alice Verburg, Winemaker, Luddite
Danelle Vermaak, Assistant Marketing and Tasting Room Manager, Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards
Kaylin Willscott, Assistant Winemaker, Journey’s End
Read the Afrikaans news release here.
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