Since 1993, the Institute of Cape Wine Masters has presented its annual Wine Personality of the Year award at the black-tie dinner following its AGM in May. This prestigious award is dedicated to those people in the South African wine industry that have excelled above others in education, marketing, winemaking or spreading the message about wine in various ways.

• 2017 – Cassie du Plessis

  At the annual Institute of Cape Wine Masters' Black Tie Dinner on Saturday, 6 May 2017, the special award of Wine Personality of the Year was presented to Cassie du Plessis. The glamorous event was held at The Vine Bistro at Glenelly in Stellenbosch.

  Cassie du Plessis, former editor of Winelands magazine and now media consultant, freelance writer and photographer, was designated Wine Personality of the Year in recognition of his contribution to wine journalism by promoting the image of wine over a period of 33 years – from his first appointment as chief media officer for KWV in 1984 through to his 15-year editorship of WynLand (formerly Wynboer) magazine, and his stint as communications manager of VinPro until his retirement from KWV in November 2013. 

   

  Cassie du Plessis and his wife Maryna, with Bennie Howard CWM

  

  Sandy Harper CWM and Dr Johanna Steyn

  

  Cassie du Plessis

  

  Cassie du Plessis receiving the award from Conrad Louw, the Chairperson of the ICWM

  

• 2016 – Charl Theron

  At the annual Institute of Cape Wine Masters Dinner on Saturday, 7 May, the special award of Wine Personality of the Year was presented to Charl Theron. The glamorous dinner was held at Old Mutual House, Constantia.

  Charl Theron is the CEO of the Cape Vintners Classification, as well as a member of the technical committee at the Wine and Spirit Board. He was a lecturer in Oenology at Stellenbosch University for many years, and is still a guest lecturer at the CWA. His achievements include a stint as director of KWV as well as many other leadership positions in the industry. He has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving the quality of South African wines through his membership of many wine organisations. Charl’s love of wine has seen him adopting new ways of training wine lovers through his wine appreciation course and course for judging wine.

   

  From left to right: Duimpie Bayly, Dr Winnie Bowman and Charl Theron

  

  Charl Theron during his acceptance speech

  

  Charl receiving his certificate from outgoing chairperson Dr Winnie Bowman

• 2015 – David Biggs

  David Biggs has travelled a complicated route to arrive in the world of wine. Brought up on  a sheep farm in the Karoo he tried a number of careers, attending a course in graphic design at Michaelis Art School, becoming a milk tester in the Eastern Cape, a cattle rancher in Mpumalanga, a Basotho blanket designer in Lesotho and credit manager for a wholesale company in Johannesburg (such a failure that he threw an adding machine out of an office window in Sauer Street and resigned).

  After arriving in journalism he was employed by the Friend Newspaper in Bloemfontein and later transferred to the Cape Argus in 1975. Here he was told to be a wine writer. (”But I know nothing about wine.” “Well, you’re a journalist, so learn about it.”) David enrolled at the Gilbeys Wine school (The Cape Wine Academy was not yet in existence) and after a basic course knew “everything about wine.” He then enrolled for an advanced course and emerged knowing :”nothing at all” about wine. He has been writing about wine – and learning about it – since 1978.

  He qualified officially as a wine judge in 2000 and has judged in every single Veritas competition to date. He also judged in other competitions like the Muscadel Championships and Terroir Awards.

  He has published several books about wine, brandy and cocktails and off course his beloved Karoo. His most recent book, The lighter side of wine is illustrated by the well-known Frans Groenewald.

  He has joined the internet explosion and runs a wine-based website called davidbiggsonline.com

  Other interests: Flying – not only did he obtain his private pilot’s licence, but has the distinction of having crashed a light aircraft and walked away from the wreckage. He has a yacht skipper’s licence and has sailed across the Atlantic and to St Helena Island. He's passionate about Vespa scooters and has toured Europe twice on Vespas, as well as doing long scooter trips through South Africa.

  David plays the piano badly and the harmonica and piano accordion equally badly. He can also squeeze a tune out of a set of bagpipes, but has been polite enough not to do so in company. He regards life as fun and wine as an important part of that fun.

  

  From left to right: Bennie Howard, Dave Hughes, David Biggs and Duimpie Bayly

  

  David receiving his award from ICWM Chairperson Dr Winifred Bowman

  

  Fran Botha enjoying a glass of bubbly with David Biggs

• 2014 – Hein Koegelenberg

  The Institute has named La Motte and Leopard’s Leap CEO Hein Koegelenberg as its Wine Personality of the year.

  Hein began making wine in 1984 at Spier Wine Estate and later was CEO at Windmeul Cellar before moving to La Motte. A huge supporter of and ambassador for South African wines at home and abroad, Hein is Chairman of the Franschhoek Wine Valley Association and has forged links with Asia to sell and promote SA wines. He is also focussed on wine tourism, constantly looking for good examples on his travels and feels SA should make this a priority. Hein is passionate about wine education and has been pivotal in the success of the Cape Wine Academy. He enjoys keeping up with technology – his tweets and website (Heinonwine.com) have a considerable following. An ex Rugby player of note, Hein still enjoys golf, but as a central figure in the SA wine industry, Hein is happy to devote his time to supporting and promoting the industry, and the Institute of Cape Wine Masters salutes and thanks him for that.

  
  

  From left to right: Dr Winifred Bowman (ICWM Chairman), Hein Koegelenberg and Dr Andy Roediger (CWM)

• 2013 – Prof Eben Archer

  The Institute of Cape Wine Masters (ICWM) awarded its “Wine Personality of the Year” award on Saturday 4 May 2013 to world renowned viticulturist Prof Eben Archer.

  The Chairman of the ICWM, Dr Andy Roediger, says that Prof Archer has contributed widely to the education of many viticulturists, wine makers and wine farmers in South Africa to produce better grapes and make better wine. Prof Archer has been praised for his work as a researcher, academic, mentor and consultant. He has a PhD from the University of Montpellier in France, did pioneering research for many years at Nietvoorbij outside Stellenbosch and taught at the University of Stellenbosch. Although retired, he still consults for more than 20 wine farms.

  

  From left to right: Andy Roediger (Chairman ICWM), Prof Eben Archer and Duimpie Bayly (CWM)

• 2012 – Dr Paul Clüver

  The Wine Personality of the Year award for 2012 was presented to Dr Paul Clüver of Paul Cluver Wines and De Rust Estate in Elgin. His visionary contribution to the wine industry includes biodiversity, conservation and environmental tourism as well as black empowerment initiatives over many years.

  His award was presented to him at a gala dinner at 96 Winery Road Restaurant, Somerset West, on Saturday 5 May by the Chairman of the Institute, Dr Andy Roediger.

  

  From left to right: Andy Roediger (Chairman ICWM) and Dr Paul Clüver

• 2011 – Spatz Sperling

  The Wine Personality of the Year award for 2011 was presented to wine legend Spatz Sperling by the Institute of Cape Wine Masters at a dinner that was held at the Old Barrel Cellar at Delheim on 7 May 2011. Spatz came to South Africa after World War II, in 1951 to the farm De Drie Sprong, which was renamed Delheim (Del's home) after Spatz's aunt, Del Hoheisen, who was the original owner. Spatz’s first success was a sweet wine called 'Spatzendreck' being Delheim's 'infamous' sweet wine which he perfected in 1961.

  In 1972 Spatz, together with Neil Joubert of Spier and Frans Malan of Simonsig, established the Stellenbosch Wine Route, which was the beginning of wine tourism in South Africa and the start of all the wine routes that followed. He has also been honoured for his contribution in training young wine makers and sharing his practical knowledge and passion with them and many other people in the wine business. He has groomed a number of highly successful present generation winemakers - Josef Kramer, Kevin Arnold, Jeff Grier, Philip Costandius, Chris Keet, Kevin Grant, Martin Meinert and Conrad Vlok. The Certificate of Honour was handed over to Spatz by the newly elected Chairman of the Institute, Dr Andy Roediger.

  

  From left to right: Andy Roediger (Chairman ICWM), Spatz Sperling and Duimpie Baily (CWM)

• 2010 – Pietman Retief

  On the 8th of May 2010, the Institute of Cape Wine Masters presented their Wine Personality of the Year Award to Pietman Retief for his contribution to the Wine and Brandy Industry over more than 40 years. He was the Executive Director of The Brandy Foundation for 12 years and previously headed up the corporate PR division of Distillers Corporation. He is still actively involved in wine tourism and education.

  

  From left to right: Dave Hughes (CWM), Pietman Retief, Duimpie Bayly (CWM) and Bennie Howard (Chairman ICWM)

• 2009 – Charles Back

  The ICWM Wine Personality Award of 2009 was presented to wine legend Charles Back of Fairview at a glittering black tie event held at the impressive KWV Cathedral Cellar in Paarl, on the 9th of May.

  It is said that wine is made in the vineyard, but it is the influence of exceptional people in the wine industry who capture what nature has given them, in a glass for all to experience and enjoy. Charles Back is one of those exceptional people in our wine industry. Charles is a man of vision and has a fine-tuned business sense.  He is passionate about the soil, vineyards and wine. Under his guidance, the family farm Fairview has developed into one of the bright stars of the South African wine industry. Charles’ wine making vision for Fairview, and where he sees the farm and the South African industry in the future, has taken him all over the world. Through his travels he has developed an immense knowledge of winemaking practices and trends, and has applied and shared this knowledge back in South Africa. Charles' role has evolved over time. He is still very much involved in the winemaking process, but devotes increasing amounts of his time to the development of new sites, collaborations with others in the industry, and the achieving of his long term goals for Fairview.

  In 1997, he initiated the development of the Fairvalley Workers Association, in conjunction with local government. He donated funds to purchase a 38 acre farm near Fairview. The association is an economic development initiative, and the workers, who have served Fairview for many years, are now producing their own wine, and plan to build more houses and facilities on the land. Charles provides cellar space for the production of the Fairvalley wines at no cost.

  The ICWM presented the annual award to Charles in recognition of his success on the local and export markets and his passionate role in the industry.

  

  From left to right: Charles Back and Bennie Howard (Chairman ICWM)

• 2008 – Dawid Saayman

  At our AGM black tie dinner at Beluga restuarant on 10 May 2008, the Institute presented the Wine Personality of the Year Award to Dawid Saayman.

  

  From left to right: Bennie Howard (Chairman ICWM), Dawid Saayman and Duimpie Bayly (CWM).

  

  From left to right: Dawid Saayman with Dr Winifred Bowman

• 2007 – Tony Mossop (posthumous)

  At the AGM black tie dinner on 05/05/2007 at Reuben’s Restaurant in Franschhoek, the ICWM presented two ” Wine Personality of the Year” Awards.

  It has taken two years of continuous effort to find time in the busy life of Su Birch of Wines of South Africa (WOSA) to present the award for Wine Personality of the Year 2005 to her, in recognition of her efforts to increase the exposure and sales of South African wine in export markets.

  The second award, the Wine Personality of the Year 2007, was made to Tony Mossop CWM, and accepted by his wife Lyn.  We recognised Tony for his efforts to raise the profile of South African wine, locally and internationally, and his widespread influence in professional wine judging, in the Wine of the Month Club, SAA selections, Veritas, Wine Magazine, Diners Club Wine Maker of the Year and Young Wine maker of the Year Competitions.  He was, of course, also one of our first CWM’s and a founder member of the Institute.

  

  From left to right: Margaret Fry (Chairman ICWM), Lyn Mossop (for Tony Mossop), and Su Birch (2005 Wine Personality of the year), Benny Howard (Vice Charmain ICWM)

• 2006 – Gunter Brözel

  Wheatfields Restaurant at Meerendal hosted the Annual Dinner of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters on Saturday 6th May. At the function the Institute presented their Wine Personality of the Year Award to Gunter Brözel, one of the doyens of the South African Wine industry.

  Gunter Brözel was the cellar master at Nederburg for 33 years and this award was made in recognition for his contribution to the wine industry over many years. He was responsible for building the quality of Nederburg wines over all the years into one of the most well known brands in South Africa and around the world. He has been a passionate wine man all his life and has been honored also for educating consumers through his many wine tastings where he has been known for his poetic wine language. Gunter pioneered noble late harvest wines in South Africa when Nederburg Edelkeur was made in 1969. Gunter and his Edelkeur were also responsible for starting the now famous Nederburg Auction, as the auction was used as a platform to sell the wine. He was also the first winemaker to put a Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay blend on the market. His 1974 Nederburg Auction Cabernet Sauvignon has been referred to as the best red wine from South Africa by Robert Mondavi of California. Gunter was also the first South African to receive the "International Winemaker of the Year Award" from the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London in 1985.

  

  From left to right: Margaret Fry (Chairman ICWM), Gunther Brözel, Benny Howard (Vice Charmain ICWM).

• 2005 – Su Birch

  At the AGM black tie dinner on 05/05/2007 at Reuben’s Restaurant in Franschhoek, the ICWM presented two “Wine Personality of the Year” Awards. 

  It has taken two years of continuous efforts to find time in the busy life of Su Birch of Wines of South Africa (WOSA) to present the award for Wine Personality of the Year 2005 to her in recognition of her efforts to increase the exposure and sales of South African wine in export markets.

  

  From left to right: Margaret Fry (Chairman ICWM) and Su Birch

• 2004 – Danie De Wet

  At the AGM black tie dinner in 2004, the Institute presented the Wine Personality of the Year award to Danie de Wet. The award was made in recognition of Danie's work in raising the profile of South African wines in export markets, his leadership in the wider wine industry and his efforts to understand and share information about wood maturation and Chardonnay.

  

  From left to right: back: Danie de Wet's sons.
  Front: Benny Howard CWM, Uda Howard, Mrs de Wet, Danie de Wet, Zelda Spies and Cornel Spies CWM (Chairman of the Institute).

2003 – Colin Collard
2002 – Michael Fridjhon
2001 – Frans Malan
2000 – Cape Wine Academy
1999 – Dave Hughes
1998 – Prof Joel van Wyk
1997 – Phyllis Hands
1996 – Sydney Back
1995 – Peter Devereux (posthumous)
1994 – Julius Lazlo
1993 – John Platter