This Women's Day, we're focusing on South African women winemakers.
In August we celebrate women's strength, resilience, and talent. South African women winemakers stand at the forefront of innovation and passion, weaving their remarkable stories into every bottle of wine they create.
Here are three inspiring, trailblazing women winemakers:
3 Trailblazing South African Women Winemakers
1. Daniela Jansen, Winemaker at Saronsberg Cellar
Saronsberg Cellar's head winemaker is Daniela Jansen. Her journey from a curious teenager to a winemaker at Saronsberg Cellar is a heartfelt reminder of how following one's passions can lead to moments that unite and inspire.
Daniela's journey started serendipitously at the tender age of 14 during a visit to a winery. Even without tasting the wine, she was enchanted by how it brought people together.
This early experience laid the groundwork for her future. She studied winemaking at Elsenburg College, graduating in 2017. Her love for wine and travel took her on a journey through vineyards in Stellenbosch, Napa Valley, Portugal, and other famous wine regions.
It was a trip to the RhĂŽne which ultimately pointed her toward Saronsberg Cellar. Here, she thrives on creating wines that bring people closer, finding immense joy in the realization that her hard work results in shared moments of happiness.
2. Abbey Pretorius, Assistant Winemaker at Backsberg
What sets Abbey Pretorius â assistant winemaker at Backsberg and Franschhoek Cellar â apart is her ability to mix art and science to produce a different, exciting wine every time.
After studying medicine for three years, Abbey Pretorius knew her heart wasnât in it. She wanted to work close to nature and considered becoming a veterinarian or farmer, but, in the end, wine captured her imagination. So, she changed courses and studied winemaking at Stellenbosch University, and graduated with a BSc Viticulture and Oenology degree.
In 2022, she started working as a intern at Boschendal, and a year and a half later she was appointed as an assistant winemaker for Backsberg and Franshhoek Cellar.
Earlier this year, Abbey made WineLand Media's 30 Under 30 list of 30 young professionals recognised for their contributions to the South African wine industry.
3. L'RĂ© Burger, Winemaker at Stellenzicht Wines
Stellenzicht Vineyards' winemaker, L'Ré, has an abiding respect for nature. Combined with her intimate knowledge of terroir, this respect ensures a fine balance in every bottle of Stellenzicht wine.
L'RĂ© was born and bred in Stellenbosch. A love of biology, chemistry, and the outdoors inspired her to study winemaking at Stellenbosch University.
After working various harvests in California, Australia, and France, she returned to her home terroir to take up posts at leading vineyards. She also attained an MSc in Wine Business at the Groupe Ăcole SupĂ©rieure de Commerce de Dijon in France before joining the team at Stellenzicht Vineyards.