WeeklySA_AdminEMPOWERMENT: A skills development programme run by the farmers has produced droves of young winemakers for nearly two decades…
By Len Maseko
The annual Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme Auction is officially underway, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to invest in unique wines, while supporting
A group of South African winemakers have been quietly changing the face of the South African wine industry for nearly two decades, by spearheading what is arguably one of the country’s most successful skills development programme.
Driving the initiative under the auspices of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), an association comprising the crème de la crème of local winemakers, the winemakers have trained 38 protégés who completed three-year internships on of the country’s prestigious wine farms. Ten are currently participating in the programme, and 22 now are either hold leading winemaking roles or run their own winemaking projects.
Guild membership is strictly by invitation only and requires commitment from its members in advancing winemaking excellence and fostering transformation within the local industry.
Funds to achieve this mission are derived from the annual CWG Auction, which is held annual around October and showcases the apex of South African winemaking, while embodying the members’ collective life-long dedication to honing their craft. Auction wines sourced exclusively from members are selected through a rigorous process to ensure their excellence.
The highlight at the auction is the participation of the protégés and this year is no different, with wines produced by a trio of interns added in the line-up this year.
Consequently, the trio has sublime stories to tell – from completing their tertiary studies up to being enrolled under the annual protégé programme run by the guild.
Since its inception in 2006, the CWG Protégé Programme has established itself as the most successful skills development programme in the South African wine industry. During the course of the three-year programme, protégés are assigned mentors from among the CWG members. They spend every year working alongside a different mentor to gain as much experience as possible.
Adding to their singularity, each of the wines produced by Karabelo Masoleng, Lindelwa Panaso Msomi and Tholakele Tania Bekwayo carries a significant name and story.
On auction is Serendipity Pinot Noir 2024, which is made by Karabelo Masoleng, is a 100% Pinot Noir. She crafted the wine under the mentorship of Charles Hopkins at De Grendel Wine Estate during her second year as a protégé.
“The name Serendipity holds a very special meaning for me,” explains Masoleng.
“I made a big leap from a career in modelling to winemaking — an unexpected shift where passion and purpose perfectly aligned. This wine is my way of celebrating those surprising moments in life that guide us towards what we’re truly meant to do. It’s a tribute to dreams, storytelling, and the courage to follow your heart.”
“Serendipity invites you to embrace possibility and raise a glass to the joy of becoming,” she adds.
Part of the trio, Lindelwa Panaso Msomi, has produced iNtombenhle Pinotage 2024, 100% Pinotage crafted under the mentorship of JD Pretorius at Warwick Wine Estate in Stellenbosch during her second year as a protégé.
“The name iNtombenhle comes from the isiZulu word meaning ‘Beautiful girl.’ My goal was to create a feminine, elegant, silky, and light wine — qualities I focused on throughout every step of production,” says Panaso. “Inspired by my mother’s nurturing resilience, this wine honours family, identity, and South Africa’s innovative spirit embodied in Pinotage’s heritage.”
“iNtombenhle invites anyone to explore wine with joy and openness rather than intimidation, making it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned drinkers.”
The last but not least of three girls, Tholakele Tania Bekwayo, was posted South Africa’s premier bubbly house, Graham Beck in Franschoek. While there, she crafted Tamara Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature 2024 under the mentorship of Pieter Ferreira during her second year as a protégé.
Comprising 75% Chardonnay and 25% Alvarinho, this vibrant and lively Cap Classique that Tholakele named in honour of her first mentor, a devoted primary school teacher who nurtured her early potential.
“This wine is my tribute passion project — a heartfelt expression of deep passion, opportunity, and the transformative power of mentorship,” says Bekwayo.
“It celebrates all mentors who ignite excellence within us. As you savour each sip, may it stir your soul and remind you of the profound, lasting impact of guidance.”
The bubbly is also up for grabs at the auction. “It is a symbol of gratitude and renewal — paying tribute to the village that nurtures every dreamer,” coos Bekwayo.
Having officially kicked off August 21, the Protégé Auction will remain open until 6pm on October 6, with bidding taking place virtually on the Strauss & Co website. To bid on the Protégé Auction, bidders will need to create an account here: https://www.straussart.co.za/join
The main auction will take place at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on October 3 and 4, alongside a major fund-raising drive for the protégé programme. All proceeds are channelled back into supporting the protégés.
Coveted auction lots include unique collections, rare verticals and wine-related experiences with Guild members, as well as wines made by this year’s graduating protégés. – Additional information by Nadia Krige
EVENTS
TIM ATKINS SHOWCASE
The highly anticipated launch of the 13th annual Tim Atkin MW SA Special Report takes place at Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West on September 2. This event offers a rare opportunity to meet the British wine expert in person and taste his Wines of the Year, selected from over 200 exceptional wines which have scored 95 points or more in the 2025 report.
In attendance will also behind these remarkable wines at a walk-around tasting that showcases the very best of South African winemaking. This signature event is brought by Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, in association with Wine Cellar and Strauss & Co.
Tickets cost R895 per person. Each ticket includes a complimentary Gabriel-Glas wine glass to take home. The event starts at 4pm and ends at 8pm.
AFRO WINE SUMMIT
The Afro Wine Week Summit, billed as a gateway to investment, empowerment and community-building in the global wine industry, will take place at the Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town on September 8 and 9.
The summit will precede the triennial CapeWine conference and exhibition, which starts on September 10 and will last for three days.
It will bring together winemakers, investors, global brands and industry leaders, who will cast the spotlight into the future of the global wine industry.
This will be happening during two days of panels, keynotes, breakout sessions and networking.
The organisers have curated a space where wealth creation, inclusivity and investment will converge.
The objective is to offer prime opportunity to support Black-owned wine brands, explore investment avenues and shape the future of a thriving, untapped market.
Tickets cost R5 500 per person via Webtickets.
CAPEWINE 2025
CapeWine, the largest southern hemisphere wine trade event, is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The triennial event will feature more than 400 South African wine producers, and attract trade and media representatives from more than 60 countries.
Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is hosting the flagship showcase, which is geared to highlight the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine industry to an international audience of trade professionals, media and enthusiasts.
During the three days of the expo, there will be seminars, exhibition and bespoke excursions to the winelands to experience the wonder of its wine routes.
A full list of exhibitors and activities is available on the CapeWine 2025 website: www.capewine2025.com.
Registration opens early in 2025, with tickets available for the full three-day event at R800, or a daily ticket for R500. The exhibition will run daily from 10:00 to 17:00, providing ample opportunities to network, taste exceptional wines, and explore the local culture and Cape landscapes.
WOMEN IN WINE
A special tasting featuring a collective of 15 women winemakers will showcase a trove of wines reflective of the personal journeys of these trailblazers.
The event will be held at Culture Club in Cape Town on August 29, starting from 18h00. The evening will involve a walk-around by guests, tasting and celebrating the next wave of wine, all crafted by women “who don’t just make wine, but make statements”.
Guests can expect sparkling personalities, electric palettes, and wines that don’t play by the rules, all sipped to disco beats in the backdrop and ambience with energy.
The cost is R350 per person and tickets are available via Quicket. The venue is situated on 103 Bree Street.
IVORY MANOR WINE FEST
Sip into spring at Ivory Manor’s 2025 wine festival on 6 September and join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the world of fine wines. Celebrate the season with a stylish day out enjoying fine wines, delicious food, and elegant surroundings at Ivory Manor Wine Festival in Pretoria on September 6. This 5-star wine show takes place at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel in Pretoria and will feature 15 top wine farms (and 1 distillery) and a collection of vintage wines. Guests will indulge in the finest selection of reds, whites, roses, and sparkling wines from renowned vineyards. Some of the favorites include: Uva Mira, Vergelegen, Iona, Creation, Eikendal, Vondeling, Lothian, and Avontuur. Tickets cost R400 a person available via Quicket or email us on wine@ivorymanor.co.za. They include a crystal wine tasting glass and light lunch. Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel is situated on 280 Jochem Street, Rietvalleirand. The event starts at 11h00.
CHARDONNAY & PINOT NOIR FEST
Wine Concepts will host their 13th annual Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Celebration at Moyo Restaurant, Kirstenbosch on September 18. A total of 45 of the Cape’s premium wine producers will be presenting an outstanding showcase of the Cape’s finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Lovers of these two noble Burgundian varietals will have the rare opportunity to discover, explore, sip, and savour over 100 flagship wines. Snacks that complement the various styles of wine, prepared by the chefs of Moyo Restaurant, will be served throughout the evening. The event starts at 18h00 and ends at 21h00. Tickets, available via Quicket, cost R480 per person and include entry, wine glass, tastings, and snacks. They are also available at any of the Wine Concepts branches: Tel 021 671 9030 (Newlands) or 021 426 4401 (Kloof Street) or email: newlandshop@wineconcepts.co.za. – Compiled by Len Maseko
