Young Winemakers

The South African wine industry is constantly changing. One of the most exciting aspects of this shift is the crop of bright, talented winemakers beginning to make their mark. Tony Mossop CWM singled out a few for attention.

Johan Malan

In the inaugural WINE magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 1999 emerged as the winner. Winemaker Johan Malan explains his approach which involves making incremental improvements vintage by vintage. Interview by Christian Eedes.

Cathy Marshall

"It all started on the beach at Muizenberg," recalls Cathy Marshall, the footloose winemaker for the Barefoot Wine Company.

Elizabeth Augustyn, Stellenbosch

A few months ago, the first ever Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award was won. With the focus on winemakers under the age of 30 who are making their mark, this series of Diners Club profiles intends to highlight those with the potential to challenge for the 2002 crown. Fiona McDonald interviewed Elizabeth Augustyn in the hubbub of harvest.

Glen Carlou winemaker David Finlayson

"I was fascinated by the guys opening and closing the tanks, so I opened one and was blown off my feet!" says Glen Carlou winemaker David Finlayson of his bacchanalian baptism, with a sheepish grin.

Henri Swiegers

"Rich, yellow gold. Orange concentrate, peaches, dried apricots, honey and rubber whiffs. Tangy sweet-sour citrus marmalade flavours." This is what gave the first ever Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year his prize. Leonie Joubert journeyed through the Huguenot Tunnel to visit the young man behind the wine.