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 helped shape our industry for over 30 years.
Born on 12 November 1971, André’s deep appreciation for storytelling began at Stellenbosch University in the early 1990s, where he studied philosophy, languages, and drama. In 2001, he joined Wines of South Africa (WoSA) as communications manager, spending 15 years championing media relations and wine tourism while representing the industry within the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.
After departing WoSA to establish his own consultancy, André was involved in several key ventures, most notably as the project manager for the Old Vine Project (OVP). Working alongside Rosa Kruger, he was a driving force behind the OVP's success, and much of the global interest in South Africa's venerable vineyards is a testament to his dedication.
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 generous heart, his fierce loyalty, 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.
André Celebration of Life service will take place on Wednesday, 25 February from 11h00 at Delheim Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. It will also be streamed live. In André's spirit, you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine you shared with him, or one you always meant to. Click HERE to RSVP.
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
"It's always hard losing people you’re close to. But the news that my old friend André had passed away hit me like a punch to the gut.
When he was working for WoSA, André was one of the first people to welcome me to the Cape. We hit it off. Over the years, he was always happy to pass on his knowledge, always keen to promote new talent, always ready to share a good bottle, always there at the end of the phone. 'It’s André,' he would answer with a smile. He was a kind, funny, considerate person who treated wine writers as individuals, not as a means to an end. On one particular trip in the early 2000s, I was an emotional wreck, and he helped untangle me from the pain...
A bunch of us have decided to get together in Stellenbosch, his hometown, in June this year to celebrate André's life. We will do it in a restaurant, of course. After all, André was affectionately known as Sir Lunchalot. I’m going to take a bottle of Old Vine Chenin Blanc to toast his memory. I hope we fill the place to the rafters. André did even more for South African wine than many people realise. RIP." - Tim Atkin MW (UK)
"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 (Australia)
"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 André 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 (Australia)
"It is with a heavy heart that I am writing in, to pay a much deserved tribute to a dear friend, André, who has gone too soon. As a multiple-qualified wine professional, awarded wine journalist and wine educator, I got acquainted with Andre in my wine columnist days in early-2000. Andre was then with WoSA promoting South African wines, and through him, I was fortunate to get acquainted with the South African winelands, and its many fine wines. With those exposure, I was able to present South African wines convincingly, whether it is through my writeup or in the wine courses under my care.
Without André's passionate sharing of many fine South African wines, its people and culture, many of my program participants, followers and clientele will not be able to grasp the beauty and nuances of wines from South Africa. We will miss André, his bubbly character, infectious laughter and real enthusiasm for good food, good wine and good company. I will miss you heaps, my friend." - Lim Hwee Peng (Singapore)
Should anyone wish to share their messages, please send them to editor@wine.co.za and we will add to this tribute.