South Africa’s wine industry celebrated some of its most influential figures during the annual awards ceremony hosted by the Institute of Cape Wine Masters (ICWM) in Stellenbosch on 15 and 16 May. The event formed part of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting and marked a return to the traditional May schedule after several years of August gatherings following the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than simply recognising achievement, the awards highlighted the growing importance of education, research, mentorship, and international advocacy in strengthening South Africa’s wine reputation globally.
Wine Personality of the Year
The prestigious Wine Personality of the Year Award was presented to Professor Wessel du Toit, Professor in Oenology at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Viticulture and Oenology.
Du Toit was honoured for his contribution to wine research, his role in wine education, and his ongoing support of the Cape Wine Masters programme.
Born in Worcester, he enrolled at Stellenbosch University in 1996 and went on to complete an honours degree in Wine Biotechnology, an MSc Agric in Oenology, and a PhD in Oenology. He was appointed lecturer in Oenology in 2001 and became full Professor of Oenology in 2023.
Known in wine circles as the “Wine Prof,” Du Toit teaches a variety of wine-related courses at the university and to the broader public. His research spans wine production, sensory science, and wine chemistry, and includes more than 93 peer-reviewed publications.
The ICWM also recognised his support for aspiring Cape Wine Masters, particularly his work assessing dissertations and mentoring candidates behind the scenes.
Dave Hughes Trophy
The Dave Hughes Trophy for outstanding dedication to the wine industry was awarded to Junel van der Merwe.
The award was instituted in 2020 in honour of the late Dave Hughes, co-founder of the Cape Wine Academy and honorary Cape Wine Master.
Van der Merwe graduated as a Cape Wine Master in 2004 with a dissertation titled “Pinotage and its role in the Cape Blend.”
She is widely respected as a lecturer across Cape Wine Academy courses and is recognised for promoting South African wine internationally. Together with her husband, Alvi van der Merwe, she is co-proprietor of Alvi’s Drift Wines.
The ICWM also acknowledged her leadership role as Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux en Afrique du Sud and her continued contribution to the Cape Wine Masters community.
Supporting the Future of Wine
The AGM also highlighted the ICWM’s Vision 2030 programme, which supports the development of a more diverse wine industry. Six candidates have joined the programme since 2024.
International support from the Gerard Basset Foundation has helped expand opportunities to both Cape Wine Academy and WSET candidates.
Founded in 1983, the Institute of Cape Wine Masters remains one of the country’s most respected wine organisations. To date, 120 individuals have earned the Cape Wine Master qualification.
