A Toast to Excellence: Celebrating Two Kanonkop Luminaries
In the picturesque heart of Stellenbosch, where centuries of winemaking heritage merge with innovation and passion, Kanonkop Wine Estate has once again put the spotlight on two extraordinary figures whose contributions have shaped South African wine. At the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event on 6 February 2025, the industry gathered to honour its pioneers, marking 366 years since the first press of Cape grapes. This year, among the distinguished honourees were Johann Krige and Marcus Lewis—each representing different facets of excellence and commitment within the industry.
Johann Krige: A Visionary Leader
Johann Krige’s journey is a compelling story of transformation and relentless innovation. With academic credentials that include an MBA from Stellenbosch University, Johann left behind a promising legal career to embrace the challenges of winemaking. Joining Kanonkop Wine Estate in 1990, he quickly became a driving force behind the estate’s international reputation. His strategic focus on red wine varieties—most notably Cabernet Sauvignon and the celebrated Pinotage—has consistently pushed boundaries, setting new benchmarks for quality and excellence.
Under Johann’s stewardship, Kanonkop has amassed accolades that echo across the globe. Noteworthy among these are multiple victories at the Robert Mondavi Trophy in London and the historic 100-point score achieved by the 2015 Kanonkop Paul Sauer, a first-ever perfect score for a New World wine awarded by internationally renowned critic Tim Atkin. Johann’s philosophy of “back to the future” encapsulates his commitment to blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that South African wines remain competitive on the global stage.
Beyond his contributions to winemaking, Johann’s leadership extends into shaping the broader industry. His roles on the boards of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Wines of South Africa, and SAWIS, among others, underline his dedication to fostering growth, inclusivity, and global recognition for South African wine. The 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership is a fitting tribute to a man whose foresight continues to inspire both current and future generations of wine enthusiasts and professionals.
Marcus Lewis: Celebrating Excellence in Agri-Work
While Johann’s visionary leadership has steered Kanonkop’s global reputation, Marcus Lewis’s contributions remind us that excellence is built from the ground up. As the cellar foreman at Kanonkop, Marcus has dedicated over a decade to perfecting the art and science of winemaking at every level. His technical expertise and unwavering commitment have not only elevated the quality of Kanonkop’s wines but have also set the standard for operational excellence in the cellar.
Recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Wine Agri-Worker award by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Marcus’s career is a testament to the invaluable role played by those behind the scenes. His achievements include being selected for the Burgundy France Cellar Worker Exchange Programme in 2015 and winning the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards in the Stellenbosch Region in 2018, 2019, and 2024. Each accolade reflects his dedication to innovative cellar operations, meticulous harvest management, and exemplary staff training.
Marcus embodies the spirit of hard work and continuous improvement, ensuring that every step of the winemaking process is executed with precision and passion. His contributions underscore the idea that behind every great wine is a team of dedicated professionals, each playing a pivotal role in creating a product that is not only enjoyed locally but celebrated worldwide.
A Legacy of Excellence
The honours bestowed upon Johann Krige and Marcus Lewis are more than individual achievements; they represent the culmination of decades of hard work, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for winemaking. Their stories serve as a reminder that excellence in the wine industry is built on both strategic vision and the dedication of everyday professionals. As South Africa celebrates the rich legacy of its wine heritage—a tradition that began in 1659—these two luminaries inspire us to look forward with optimism and ambition.
In a competitive global market, the South African wine industry continues to thrive, thanks in no small part to leaders like Johann and dedicated professionals like Marcus. Their journeys remind us that the blend of visionary strategy and hands-on expertise is the secret behind every celebrated vintage.
Let’s raise our glasses to Johann Krige and Marcus Lewis—a toast to excellence, resilience, and a future as vibrant as the wines they help create.
