Benguela Cove, renowned for its exceptional wines and breathtaking vineyard views, is thrilled to announce that Michelle Waldeck, one of its talented winemakers, has been selected for the prestigious WineLand 30 Under 30 list for 2024.
This accolade, which highlights the rising stars, innovators, and key players in the South African wine industry, is a testament to Michelle’s dedication and passion for winemaking.
Michelle’s journey into the world of winemaking began during an internship at a well-known local winery.
- It was there that her textbook knowledge blossomed into a hands-on passion. The moment she stepped into the red wine cellar, she felt an undeniable connection to the craft. “This is quite an honour,” says Michelle, reflecting on her inclusion in the WineLand 30 Under 30 list. It was also during this pivotal internship that she met Johann Fourie, the head winemaker at Benguela Cove, who later invited her to join his team.
Over the past seven years at Benguela Cove, Michelle has honed her skills under Johann’s mentorship. Her innovative approach and commitment to quality have made significant contributions to the winery’s success. Her selection for WineLand’s 30 Under 30 highlights not only her personal achievements but also the bright future of Benguela Cove under her influence.
The WineLand 30 Under 30 list is curated to showcase young professionals who are shaping the future of the South African wine industry. “From visionary winemakers pushing the boundaries of tradition and forward-thinking viticulturists nurturing the land to dynamic sommeliers crafting unforgettable experiences and savvy marketers capturing the attention of audiences, our 30 Under 30 issue showcases the extraordinary contributions of these rising stars,” says Wanda Augustyn, editor of WineLand.
This year’s honorees were celebrated at a special luncheon held on Friday, 14 June, at the picturesque Brookdale Estate in Paarl. Hosted by WineLand Media in collaboration with ROTOCON, the event provided an excellent platform for the young professionals to network with their peers and established industry leaders.
The full list of candidates featured in the June edition:
Janeke Beck | Yolandi Botha | Mia Burger | Johan Calitz | Roux Conradie | Dylan de Haas | Loïc Du Toit | Mika Engelbrecht | Darren Maree | Nompumelelo Mkhize | Luyolo Mtiyane | Tinashe Musora | Lona Sherly Mziba | Karla Nel | Skye Nolan | Thabo Theo Ntuthu | Anzelle Pienaar | Abbey Pretorius | Nikita Reeves | Jessica Swan | Henlo Swart | Chantelle van Heerden | Anmar van Niekerk | Charné van Zyl | Clarissa Viljoen | Gina Viola | Michelle Waldeck | Sebastian Worthington-Fitnum | Yonela Zondwayo | Sisipho Gift Zothana
Michelle’s recognition in the WineLand 30 Under 30 list is not just a personal milestone but a significant achievement for Benguela Cove. Her innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire her colleagues and the broader wine community.
As Michelle forges ahead in her career, Benguela Cove is excited to see her continue to shape the future of South African wine.
