Article

30 young wine professionals honoured

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.

WATCH | 30 UNDER 30 AFTER MOVIE 2025

Article Archives

Stay current with our monthly editions
0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop