The Institute of Cape Wine Masters (ICWM) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Stellenbosch over the weekend of 15-16 May, during which it presented its annual awards to this year’s recipients. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the AGM and awards ceremony have been held in August; this year marks a return to the customary May schedule.
The Personality of the Year Award was presented to Professor Wessel du Toit, Professor in Oenology at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at the Stellenbosch University (SU). The Dave Hughes Trophy for the best contribution to the activities of the ICWM and the wine industry was awarded to Junel van der Merwe.
For the first time in several years, no CWM candidates completed their studies in time to receive diplomas at this year’s AGM. The awards presentation took place at STIAS, the training facilities of the SU.
Prior to the announcements, a wine tasting showcased three winemakers – Albert Ahrens, owner and winemaker of Ahrens Family Wines; Nongcebo Langa, head winemaker at Delheim Wines; and Barbara Melck, winemaker at Reyneke Wines – who shared their philosophy centred on expressing terroir and vineyard identity through their wines. All three are graduates of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at the SU.
Cape Wine Masters present at the 2026 Awards Function:
Front l to r: Janine van Zyl, René Groenewald, Irina Botha, Mark Philp, Jacques Lombard, Bennie Howard, Linda Birch, Elsie Pels, Ivan Oertle.
Back l to r: Francois Cillie, Wanda Cronje, Jacques Steyn, Tom Blok, Rolene Bauer, Anton Swarts, Cathy Brewer, Heidi Duminy, Bradley Wood, Riaan van der Spuy.
Wine Personality of the Year Award
Professor Wessel du Toit received the Wine Personality of the Year award in recognition of his contributions to wine research, his pivotal role in wine education, and his steadfast support of the Cape Wine Masters programme.
Born in Worcester, he matriculated before enrolling for a BSc at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 1996, subsequently earning an honours degree in Wine Biotechnology, an MSc Agric in Oenology (both cum laude), and a PhD (Oenology). He was appointed as lecturer in Oenology at the SU in 2001 and full Professor of Oenology in 2023.
Du Toit exemplifies a deep commitment to both academic engagement and advancing wine education – demonstrated through formal academic leadership and informal initiatives such as short courses and his distinctive approach to “making wine science cool.” His consistent support for prospective Cape Wine Masters, including the assessment of dissertations, often undertaken quietly behind the scenes, ensures that those he assists feel genuinely valued.
Known as the “Wine Prof,” Du Toit teaches a range of wine-related courses at the University and to the wider public. His extensive research spans wine production, sensory science, and wine chemistry, and he has authored more than 93 peer-reviewed publications, several focusing on oxygen and phenolics in wine.
Dave Hughes Trophy
Junel van der Merwe has been named the recipient of the Dave Hughes Trophy, instituted in 2020 to honour the late Dave Hughes, co‑founder of the Cape Wine Academy and honorary CWM, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to the wine industry. She is the seventh honouree of this award.
Van der Merwe graduated as a Cape Wine Master in 2004, with a dissertation titled “Pinotage and its role in the Cape Blend.”
A popular and respected lecturer across all levels of CWA courses, her lectures are widely remembered. Her passion for wine is infectious, and she shares her expertise globally both as a CWM and as co‑proprietor, with her husband Alvi van der Merwe, of Alvi’s Drift Wines. Her signature style and influence have been major contributors to the success of these wines.
She is a proud advocate for South African wines as well as the ICWM and plays an influential role in the industry. This includes her current tenure as Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux en Afrique du Sud. As a highly active and committed CWM, she continues to make a meaningful difference for all CWMs.
The Vision 2030 programme
The Vision 2030 programme of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters is on an upward trajectory with six candidates who joined the development programme since 2024 - Lethabo Komana, Xolani Mancotywa, Narissa Pieters, Kelsey Shungking, Lerato Molekeki and Heinrich Bothman (Export Manager Africa at Van Loveren Vineyards) who joined the group in 2026.
The international support through the Gerard Basset Foundation allows the ICWM to widen the net to both Cape Wine Academy and WSET candidates.
Says Jacques Steyn, vice-chairman: "As an African-based company, the ICWM must allow the continuous development of a diversified wine culture so the investment in the future of wine as an agricultural and tourism product is continued. We must be the flag bearer for the rest of the world."
History of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters
The Institute of Cape Wine Masters traces its origins to the founding of the Cape Wine Academy (CWA), launched on 1 May 1979 as part of the Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery (SFW) wine plan. In 2003, the Cape Wine and Spirit Education Trust authorised the CWA, in collaboration with the ICWM, to award the Cape Wine Master (CWM) qualification and confer the CWM title.
The first three CWMs to graduate in 1983 were Bennie Howard, the late Duimpie Bayly and the late Tony Mossop. They were also the founding members of the ICWM in that same year. To date, 120 individuals have earned this elite, self‑study qualification over the CWA’s 47‑year history, including three honorary members.
Of the Institute’s current active membership, 78% are based in the Western Cape, 19% in Gauteng, 2% in KwaZulu‑Natal and 1% in the Free State, with 15 CWMs residing overseas. The profile of the total membership (since inception, including deceased and resigned members) is 51% male and 49% female.
At the Institute of Cape Wine Masters’ AGM this weekend, the following members to serve as directors on the newly established board of the ICWM were elected: Mark Philp (Chairperson), Tom Blok, René Groenewald and Jacques Steyn.
Photos: All photographs by E.J. Langner
ON BEHALF OF: THE INSTITUTE OF CAPE WINEMASTERS
FURTHER INFORMATION: BENNIE HOWARD / ICWM: 082 551 5545 / benniehoward77@gmail.com