The South African wine industry is mourning the death of a true visionary, André Morgenthal. He passed away in hospital on Tuesday evening, 27 January 2026, following a long illness. A resident of Stellenbosch, André was a gifted communicator and advocate whose influence has helped shape our industry.
André was a cornerstone of South African wine for over 30 years, spending 15 years as the communications manager for Wines of South Africa (WoSA) before becoming the project manager for the Old Vine Project.
He was far more than a professional advocate; he was a mentor and a bridge-builder who carried the spirit of South African wine to the world. André will be remembered for his immense warmth, his wit, and the indelible mark he left on the people and stories behind every bottle.
Our hearts go out to his family, who have kindly requested privacy during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements will be shared as soon as available.
Tributes to André Morgenthal
"Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of André Morgenthal during this difficult time. André played a pivotal role in turning the Old Vine Project dream into a reality. His belief in the value of old vines and his contribution to this journey will be remembered with gratitude. Our deepest sympathies remain with everyone touched by his life and his passing." - Old Vine Project
"Andre Morgenthal was a very special human. He had a way of connecting with anyone and everyone. I remember looking for him at my first Vinexpo and when I asked him where he had been, he told me he had been 'communicating'. And that’s what Andre did – building bridges locally and globally, championing South African wine. His network was second to none...
It is more than a decade since I left WoSA, but we stayed in touch and Andre was always there for me when I needed a kind shoulder, a shared laugh and a good glass of wine.
There is so much more to say but above all I will remember him for being caring, generous and fiercely loyal. I am so sad. We have lost our special friend and our wine industry has lost a great champion.
My deepest sympathies to Nolene and his mother." - Su Birch
"I can’t believe he’s gone. We are in the process of organising an annual dinner to celebrate his legacy and love of food and wine. He was a special person. I’ll miss him." - Tim Atkin MW
"Such sad news. We will certainly miss him and his coveted parking spot in the heart of Stellenbosch – just to make things a little easier to share a glass of wine. Thoughts to family and friends. RIP Andre. You did so much for our industry." - David Trafford
"Oh no so sorry to hear. He was an amazing ambassador and mentor of the SA wine and spirit industry. He will be dearly missed by many. May he rest in peace. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends." - Celia Gilloway
"Condolences from Andre’s wine friends in Australia (and there were many). He was a character in our industry who was larger than life and leaves a remarkable legacy for us to carry forward." - Karen Ridge
"So sorry to hear this news. Andre was always such a gentleman, warm and kind. Condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed by many." - Emma Gilmour Austen
"I simply still can’t believe Andre is gone. I’ve not his like anywhere in the wine world. His warmth is one thing. His intellect, another. He understood wine and what it can be as deeply as anyone I’ve ever met. He worked tirelessly to promote South Africa and South Africans. He will be missed by all." - Peter McAtamney
Should anyone wish to share their messages, please send them to editor@wine.co.za and we will add to this tribute.