From managing directors to vintners, founders, and oenologists –
Women are leading and significantly shaping the future of the wine industry.
They play a significant role in the wine world, and their influence extends far beyond a single day. Throughout the year, they impress with their dedication, creativity, and passion for viticulture. In South Africa, there is an impressive number of wineries led by strong women. Here, we introduce you to some of these outstanding wine destinations that captivate with their fascinating stories and excellent wines.
Glenelly Estate
Hardly any story in the South African wine world is as extraordinary as that of May-Eliane de Lencquesaing. For over 30 years, she managed the legendary Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, was named "Woman of the Year" by Decanter in 1994, and became president of the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 1993. In 2003, at the age of 78, she took a completely new step: she bought the Glenelly estate in Stellenbosch and developed it into a world-class winery that combines French viticultural tradition with South African terroir. In May 2026, she celebrated her 101st birthday, making her one of the longest-serving vintners worldwide, still closely involved in the estate's affairs today.
Lady May, the estate's flagship wine, bears her name as a tribute to her extraordinary career. The Bordeaux blend from the highest, coolest sites on Simonsberg consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by small proportions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It impresses with its fine structure, aromas of cassis, dark cherries, and a subtle spice, combined with a long, elegant finish. The 2021 vintage received, among other accolades, 98 points from Greg Sherwood MW and 97 points from Tim Atkin MW, confirming that Madame de Lencquesaing's instinct for great wines remains undiminished to this day.
Discover Glenelly's Lady May at Kapweine
Aslina Wines
Ntsiki Biyela grew up in a small village in KwaZulu-Natal and received a scholarship in 1999 to study viticulture at Stellenbosch University, making her South Africa's first black female winemaker. After years as a cellar master, she founded her own winery, Aslina Wines, named after her grandmother. She was named "Woman Winemaker of the Year" in 2009 and nominated multiple times as one of the most influential women in business and politics. Her wines today represent a new, more diverse generation of South African female winemakers.
Lismore Estate Vineyards
Californian Samantha O'Keefe has found paradise and the perfect terroir. Her passion, combined with vines planted at 300 meters above sea level, cooled by winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produces classic cool-climate wines that are rich, complex, and lovingly handcrafted. She planted vineyards on the slopes of a dramatic mountain range in a previously unknown region and is responsible for establishing Wine of Origin Greyton. Samantha's wines are highly regarded worldwide and receive praise from international critics.
Sjinn Wines
The Tim Atkin Young Winemaker of the Year 2022 went to Charla Bosman. This is great recognition for Charla, who has been in charge of everything at Malgas since the 2015 harvest, including vineyards and winemaking, as well as sales and marketing.
Thistle & Weed
Stephanie Wiid, raised in Johannesburg, moved to Stellenbosch to study viticulture and oenology. Wine runs in her family's blood: her grandfather was the famous Niel Joubert of Spier. With a mother who grew up on a wine farm and sisters interested in the final product, Stephanie's path was predestined. She deepened her expertise with a Master's degree in Viticulture from Stellenbosch University.
Hogan Wines
With Hogan Wines, another strong personality enriches the modern South African wine world. Jocelyn Hogan Wilson founded her winery with the vision of creating elegant and terroir-driven wines. After her education in Stellenbosch and international experience, she consciously chose her own path. Her Chenin Blancs and Rhône-inspired wines stand for finesse, balance, and precision.
Warwick Wine Estate
As CEO of Warwick Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Christiane von Arnim continues the legacy of the "First Lady of South African Wine," inspired by Norma Ratcliffe, the first female winemaker at the Cape and creator of the first Warwick vintage in 1984. An MBA graduate from Stellenbosch University, Christiane joined Warwick in 2018, bringing an impressive track record of experience in wine business and marketing.
Wolf and Woman
After more than a decade of making a name for herself in the South African wine industry, Jolandie Fouché decided to fully focus on her passionate project Wolf & Woman Wines. Shortly after the release of her first 2018 vintage, Jolandie's Chenin Blanc won the Tim Atkin White Wine Discovery of the Year Award.
Erika Obermeyer Wines
Erika Obermeyer always surprised her colleagues. As cellar master at Graham Beck, she later caused a sensation by creating equally impressive still wines alongside the legendary sparkling wines. In 2016, she took the expected step into self-employment.
Waterkloof Wine Estate
During her time at Waterkloof, Nadia Barnard-Langenegger recognized the essential aspects of quality vines and wines by living and working in harmony with nature. As Head Winemaker, she knows every square inch of the vineyard on the farm like the back of her hand.
Steenberg Vineyards
Elunda Basson took over all winemaking at Steenberg, South Africa's oldest registered winery in the Constantia Wine Valley, as Cellarmaster in 2019. Previously, she shaped wineries such as Nederburg and JC Le Roux for over two decades and is now considered one of the leading experts for Méthode Cap Classique in the country. As Vice-President of the Cap Classique Association, she also champions the international visibility of South African sparkling wines.
Tesselaarsdal Wines
Berene Sauls founded Tesselaarsdal Wines in 2015 after working for years at the renowned Hamilton Russell Vineyards. With the support of their cellar master Emul Ross, she now runs her own label as sole owner. Her Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vintages currently come from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge until her own vineyards are ready for harvest, a true success story in the South African wine world.
Saurwein Wines
Jessica Saurwein carries a family name with history: her ancestors made wine for the Austrian emperor in the 17th century. After studying oenology and viticulture in Stellenbosch and gaining experience at Bouchard Finlayson, she launched her own label in 2015. With a keen sense of terroir and a restrained, natural winemaking style, she has made a name for herself as one of South Africa's most exciting Pinot Noir and Riesling specialists.
Our Power Women Collection
The talents of women in the wine industry don't need a special occasion to be highlighted. However, International Women's Day offers an ideal opportunity to shed light on the achievements of women from across the industry and around the world.
Let yourself be inspired by their stories and discover the diversity and quality of South African wines, shaped by strong female hands.
