Celebrating the legacy of women in Stellenbosch wine: Trailblazers through the centuries and today
The Stellenbosch Wine Routes, steeped in history and tradition, have long been shaped by the remarkable contributions of women. From the early days of viticulture to the modern era, these women have overcome societal and gender barriers, leaving an indelible mark on the South African wine industry. Their legacy of perseverance, innovation, and leadership continues to inspire as women increasingly rise to the forefront of winemaking and leadership. Looking toward the future, their influence drives the industry to new heights, paving the way for the next generation of trailblazers.
The French Huguenot Legacy: Early Contributions
The influence of women in Stellenbosch’s wine industry can be traced back to the late 17th century with the arrival of the French Huguenots. Among these settlers were women who brought with them extensive knowledge of viticulture from France’s renowned wine regions. One notable figure is Susanna Briet, who, alongside her husband Isaac Taillefert, was instrumental in establishing vineyards in the Cape Winelands. Their efforts helped shape the early wine industry in the Cape, laying the groundwork for what would become a thriving wine-producing region.
Maria Marais: The Matriarch of Neethlingshof
Fast forward to the 18th century, and we find Maria Marais, a woman of incredible drive and vision, who played a crucial role in the development of Neethlingshof Wine Estate. Maria, who inherited the farm with her husband Charles Marais, expanded the vineyards and took on the winemaking responsibilities, becoming one of the first female winemakers in the colony. Her efforts transformed Neethlingshof into a thriving estate, with her legacy still felt today. Maria’s story is a testament to the determination and resilience of women who have shaped the Stellenbosch wine industry.
Kitty English: The Resurgence of Lanzerac
The 19th century brought us Elizabeth Catherine ‘Kitty’ English, a woman ahead of her time. Known as Mrs. English, she was a successful businesswoman and farmer, most closely associated with the resurgence of the historic farm Lanzerac, originally called Schoongezicht. In an era when women were expected to lead domestic lives, Kitty defied convention by taking an active role in the wine and dairy industries. At the age of 76, she arrived at Lanzerac, where she set exacting standards for viticulture and left an indelible mark on the South African wine industry. Her adventurous spirit and fearless approach continue to inspire modern women in wine.
Vera Sperling: Pioneering Modern Hospitality at Delheim
The 20th century saw women beginning to take more prominent roles in the wine industry, and one such pioneer was Vera Sperling of Delheim Estate. Married to Michael Hans “Spatz” Sperling, one of the co-founders of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Vera played a crucial role in shaping the hospitality experience that is now integral to the wine industry. She introduced the concept of serving food in wine tasting rooms, a practice that has since become standard. Vera’s influence extended beyond the cellar; she was a visionary who understood the importance of creating a holistic experience for wine lovers. Her legacy at Delheim includes the establishment of a restaurant, the development of visitor experiences like mushroom hunts, and her contribution to social welfare, earning her the affectionate title of “Ouma Vera” within the community.
Norma Ratcliffe: The First Lady of South African Wine
As the modern era dawned, women continued to break new ground in Stellenbosch’s wine industry. Norma Ratcliffe, often hailed as the first female winemaker in South Africa, stands out as a trailblazer. In the 1980s, she founded Warwick Wine Estate, where her exceptional winemaking skills, particularly with Bordeaux-style blends, set new standards for the industry. Norma’s success not only paved the way for other women in winemaking but also challenged the perception that winemaking was solely a man’s domain. Her pioneering spirit earned her the title of ‘The First Lady of South African Wine,’ and her legacy lives on at Warwick and beyond.
Ronell Wild – Bartinney Wines
Ronell Wild’s love for adventure and geology led her to the world of winemaking, where she has become a force to be reckoned with at Bartinney Wines. With a background in geology from the University of Stellenbosch, Ronell brings a deep understanding of soil and terroir to her craft. Her journey has seen her work at various prestigious wine estates around Stellenbosch before settling at Bartinney, where she has been creating masterful wines. Ronell’s fearless approach to winemaking and life is reflected in every bottle she produces, earning her the title of Master Winemaker and the admiration of wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Ntsiki Biyela – Aslina Wines
Ntsiki Biyela’s journey from a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal to becoming South Africa’s iconic winemakers is nothing short of extraordinary. After starting her career at Stellekaya Wines in 2004, she quickly made a name for herself with her exceptional talent and dedication. In 2009, she was named Woman Winemaker of the Year, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry. Determined to create her own legacy, Ntsiki founded Aslina Wines in 2016, named after her grandmother. Today, Aslina Wines is celebrated internationally for its quality and innovation, and Ntsiki continues to inspire transformation and diversity within the South African wine industry.
Rianie Strydom – Cavalli Estate
Rianie Strydom’s 25-year career in winemaking is marked by her relentless pursuit of excellence and her passion for the craft. As the fourth woman to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild, Rianie is a trailblazer who has inspired countless others in the industry. Her journey began with studies at the University of Stellenbosch, followed by stints in Burgundy and Bordeaux, where she honed her skills. Today, as the winemaker at Cavalli Estate, Rianie is known for creating masterpieces that capture the essence of the land. Her legacy continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of vintners to push the boundaries of South African wine.
Debbie Thompson – Le Grand Domaine
Debbie Thompson’s appointment as winemaker at Le Grand Domaine in 2020 marked a significant moment in her illustrious career. With over 20 years of experience, most notably at Simonsig, Debbie has proven herself as a formidable force in the wine industry. Her transition from a large cellar to the boutique environment of Le Grand Domaine was met with unique challenges, not least of which was the onset of a global pandemic. However, Debbie’s resilience and expertise have shone through, with the estate earning multiple accolades under her guidance. A true believer in the importance of teamwork, Debbie’s leadership is helping to shape the future of this predominantly female-run cellar.
Beyond the cellar, women in the Stellenbosch wine industry are also blazing trails as CEOs, leaders, innovators, and strategists. Their contributions are vital to the growth and evolution of the industry, as they navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and set new standards of excellence. These women are not only shaping the present but also laying the groundwork for future generations, proving that the influence of women in wine extends far beyond winemaking itself.
Christiane von Arnim – Warwick Wine Estate
As the CEO of Warwick Wine Estate, Christiane von Arnim is continuing the legacy of ‘The First Lady of South African Wine,’ Norma Ratcliffe. A Stellenbosch University MBA graduate, Christiane joined Warwick in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a bold vision for the estate’s future. Under her leadership, Warwick has embraced innovation while staying true to its traditional roots. Christiane’s dynamic approach and commitment to excellence have positioned Warwick as a leader not only in Stellenbosch but in the global wine community. Her work is a testament to the power of women in leadership and their ability to drive change in the industry.
Annelie Viljoen – Kanonkop
Annelie Viljoen, the esteemed viticulturist at Kanonkop, has deep roots in Stellenbosch, where she grew up and developed a love for science, inspired by her father, Bennie Schloms, a passionate soil scientist. Annelie’s journey into viticulture was a natural progression, further fuelled by her studies in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch, where she was mentored by Prof. Eben Archer. Choosing the vineyards over the cellar, her experience expanded from viticulturist as a grape buyer for Distell, where she learned the critical importance of the relationship between producers and buyers. Since 2017, Annelie has been the viticulturist and grape buyer for Kanonkop Estate, focusing on the highly regarded Kadette brand. Balancing her career with family life, Annelie’s passion for viticulture and the joy of seeing people enjoy the wines she helps create make her a driving force in the industry.
PS: Annelie started a passion project in 2019 – Spijkerbessie
Ilse Ruthford – Compagniesdrift
Ilse Ruthford’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and community empowerment. As the Managing Director of Compagniesdrift, Ilse has been instrumental in transforming this venture into a 100% black-owned community enterprise. Her journey, which began in Pniël, a town steeped in viticultural history, has been marked by significant achievements, including overcoming a battle with breast cancer while leading the company through a major transition. Under her leadership, Compagniesdrift has flourished, offering wine storage, labelling services, and producing its own wines. Ilse’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is evident in her mentorship of young farmers and her role in driving socio-economic development in the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
Carina Gous – Kleine Zalze
Carina Gous is a well-known figure in the Cape wine industry, with over 30 years of experience. Joining Kleine Zalze in 2020, Carina has spearheaded the marketing and sales of one of South Africa’s most successful wine brands. Her extensive background, including her role as Global Brand Director for Distell’s premium wine and spirits portfolio, has equipped her with the skills to elevate Kleine Zalze to new heights. Carina’s leadership and marketing prowess have played a central role in the brand’s local and international success, making her an invaluable asset to the Stellenbosch wine community.
May-Eliane de Lencquesaing – Glenelly Estate
The grande dame of the Stellenbosch, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, affectionately known as Madame May, is a legendary figure in the global wine industry with a remarkable story that spans continents. After successfully running Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Bordeaux for over 30 years, she set her sights on South Africa. In 2003, at the age of 78, she established Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch, driven by her belief in the region’s potential to produce world-class wines. Madame May brought with her a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of viticulture, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Her impact on the South African wine landscape is profound, as she seamlessly merged old-world expertise with new-world opportunities, creating a legacy that continues to influence and inspire the industry today.
These remarkable women exemplify the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and leadership that is driving the Stellenbosch wine industry forward. As we celebrate Women’s Month, their stories remind us of the power of determination and the impact that women are making in a traditionally male-dominated field. Their achievements inspire not only those within the wine industry but also the broader community, proving that with passion and resilience, anything is possible.
