In Memoriam

GRAHAM BECK

Pioneering South African wine producer and social philanthropist Graham Beck passed away in London in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 27 July, at the age of 80, after a battle with lung cancer.

Best known for his bold and insightful approach to life, Mr Beck's involvement with South African wine began with his visionary purchase of Madeba farm in Robertson, a property he developed into a world-class producer of Méthode Cap Classique.

Later acquisitions of wellpositioned properties in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch saw Graham Beck Wines grow to become a leading wine purveyor, reflecting Mr Beck's dream to produce to the "highest possible standards". Mr Beck passed with his wife Rhona by his side. Graham Beck Wines will continue to operate as it has done, in respect of the final wishes of its visionary leader.

JULIUS LASZLO

Doctor Julius Laszlo, cellarmaster at The Bergkelder from 1978 to 1992 and one of South Africa's most influential winemakers, has died in Stellenbosch at the age of 83. Credited with playing a pivotal role in changing the face of the South African wine industry, he was one of the key protagonists in upgrading the quality of vineyards established in the Cape, sourcing new vine material and focusing on the cultivation of noble wine grape varieties.

He also pioneered the use of small oak barrels for the maturation of red wines at a time when mostly larger-sized vats were in vogue.

JOHANN SCHMIDT

Thys Lombard remembers Johann Schmidt, marketing manager at Lourensford: "Johann Schmidt was a household name in the South African wine industry. Somehow he knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He was a marketer through and through, and had the natural ability to find the interests and passions of the people who crossed his path. Johann loved people, and wine was a tool that he could use to get to know people on a level that few other products in this world allow you to do. Johann was just as comfortable with the MD of the company, as he was with the people doing the footwork in the store.

Johann was the guy we could speak to when we wanted to make important decisions, and he was a good listener - probably the single characteristic that made him the person that everyone loved. If a man is measured by the number of his friends, Johann was a giant!"