Duimpie will be remembered for his quick wit, naughty smile and sense of humour, but more importantly, for his massive contribution to the South African Wine Industry.
The tributes are streaming in for this giant and we would like to pass our sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be very much missed.
He was honoured by the Pinotage Association in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to the South African variety. As Beyers Truter said then: "Duimpie, you cannot resign from the industry, you are the industry"
Duimpie was a legend in his own time - as Malu Lambert found out - read more HERE
From his long-time friend and Cape Wine Master Bennie Howard:
Duimpie was like a brother to me. I have known and worked with Duimpie for 42 years - a lifetime. I will miss him terribly.
And another very long-time pal and also Cape Wine Master Dave Hughes:
Duimpie is one of the most delightful people you will ever know. He is a devoted family man and has contributed to the wine industry to a great depth.
From the Institute of Cape Wine Masters:
Today the South African wine industry lost a legend. Francis Carr “Duimpie” Bayly passed away at his home in Stellenbosch.
Duimpie – the name most of us knew him by – qualified as one of the original three Cape Wine Masters in 1983. His impact during his 40 years with Stellenbosch Farmers Winery (now Distell) was massive; he played a trailblazing part in the development of the modern wine industry as their Group Operations Director. He served as president of the South African Society of Oenology & Viticulture (honorary life member) and enjoyed his position as Chairman of the South African Demarcation Committee, part of the Wine of Origin System - a position that involved traveling through the wine growing regions of South Africa to delineate growing areas.
Duimpie was a scholar – he completed his BSc at the University of Stellenbosch, an MSc at the University of California (Davis), and a PMD at Harvard . He was a quick witted gentleman with a mischievous smile. His endearing qualities and knack for storytelling will be missed by his family and friends. Duimpie’s 60 years of service and dedication to our wonderful wine industry will never be forgotten.
We raise our glasses to you Duimpie Bayly.
Duimpie had it in him to make everyone feel special – from the delivery man to the head of house. He had an incredibly wide knowledge of wine from taste to technicalities, and while he would always be only too glad to share his knowledge when asked, yet with his modest and unassuming nature, would never impose his ideas on anyone.
Our hearts go out to Sue and his family and may God grant them the much-needed strength and faith at this time of grief and sorrow. We share it with you.