Wine industry heroes of 2024 honoured

After several years of honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the South African wine industry, the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event recently held in Groot Constantia in the Western Cape continued to hail exceptional candidates.

Clifford van der Venter, chairperson of the Groot Constantia Trust, said that this year’s honorees were indeed a reflection of the strength of the South African Wine industry and bore testimony to the extraordinary efforts of the many talented individuals and committed organisations who worked tirelessly to ensure that South African wines occupied their rightful space among the leaders of the global wine industry.

This year, the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership went to Tim Hutchinson, who navigated his way from humble beginnings to leading one of the largest and fastest independent wine companies in South Africa.

His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the South African wine industry’s success and growth, and his unique vision, commitment and business acumen enriched the country’s wine sector in many ways, according to a press statement.

Cathy Marston received the award in the Wine Advancement category for her contribution towards the image of South African wine and the industry as a whole.

In addition to being an esteemed wine taster, judge and journalist, Marston is a formidable wine educator with a global reach and influence, and founder and head lecturer at the International Wine Education Centre in Cape Town. Ilse Rutherford received the award in the Growing Inclusivity category.

She has 27 years of experience in the wine industry, and her current role sees her at the head of the 100% black-owned empowerment project Compagniesdrift. She has taken her passion and experience to inspire others, and has promoted farmworker development whilst mentoring and uplifting her staff. She also plays a pivotal role in the community as board member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, where she guides socio-economic development.

The Viti- and Viniculture category award went to soil scientist Dawid Saayman. In his 50-year career, Saayman has made significant contributions through groundbreaking research, teaching and mentoring. One of his most influential contributions to the industry was his work in defining the concept of terroir in South Africa.

He also played a vital role in identifying and understanding geology, soil types and climate in the South African wine of origin scheme. –

MANY TALENTED INDIVIDUALS AND COMMITTED ORGANISATIONS WORKED TIRELESSLY