THE CAPE Winemakers Guild welcomes a new Chairman, acclaimed cellarmaster at Groot Constantia, Boela Gerber.
Taking over the reins from Miles Mossop, Gerber says he shares the vision mapped out by his predecessors for the Guild to step up its role in furthering transformation in the wine industry and setting new benchmarks for South African wines.
As Chairman of the Guild, Gerber is supported by a management committee comprising Andrea Mullineux (vice-chair), David Nieuwoudt (treasurer) Kevin Grant (cellarmaster) and Carl Schultz.
The New Year sees Danie Steytler retiring as Producing Member of the Cape Winemakers Guild after 20 years and moving to non-producing Member status alongside Neil Ellis and Braam van Velden.
Membership of the Guild is by invitation only and is extended to winemakers who have been responsible for the production of outstanding wines for a minimum of five years, and who continue to do so.
Any Guild Member may become a non-producing Member when they stop making wine.
Warren Ellis, the accomplished winemaker at Neil Ellis Wines since 2011 is also joining athe Guild.
With an MScAgric degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch, he is known for making quality wines that are expressive of their terroir.
His impressive collection of accolades includes Veritas Double Gold for the Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, 5-stars from Platter’s, and consistently breaking the venerable 90 point barrier in Tim Atkin’s South African Special Report, Wine Spectator and Decanter.
“It’s a great pleasure to welcome Warren to the Guild. He has consistently produced world class wines since taking over from his father, Neil, and I am looking forward to the energy he will bring to the Cape Winemakers Guild,” says Gerber.
Established in 1982, the Cape Winemakers Guild now comprises 50 of the country’s most respected winemakers with the single minded vision to elevate the standing of the South African wine industry through their ongoing commitment to transformation and the production of world-class, quality wines.