News

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes has appointed respected wine industry figure Jean Engelbrecht as chairperson of its board of directors, succeeding Michael Ratcliffe, who steps down after nine years in the role.

The announcement was made at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, 21 October, alongside several changes to the board.

Engelbrecht, of Rust en Vrede, has deep roots in the Stellenbosch wine community. His family’s estate joined the Stellenbosch Wine Routes in the late 1970s, and he grew up knowing some of the organisation’s founding members, including Frans Malan of Simonsig, Spatz Sperling of Delheim and Neil Joubert of Spier.

“It is a great honour to assume the custodianship of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes,” says Engelbrecht. “I grew up within this community, and it is a privilege to follow in their footsteps.”

He adds that his focus will be on building on the organisation’s achievements and ensuring that Stellenbosch remains firmly established as a world-class destination.

Reflecting on his nine-year tenure, Ratcliffe describes the collective commitment of the region’s wine and tourism community as one of its most meaningful achievements.

“What I treasure most is the way our wine and tourism community has come together, with growing confidence in our wines and pride in the place we call home,” he says.

As the organisation marks its 55th year, Ratcliffe also acknowledges the pioneers and former chairs who laid the foundations for its continued development. He hands over to Engelbrecht, a long-standing friend and colleague, with confidence in the organisation’s future.

Further board changes see Louw Strydom of Kanonkop succeed Chris Boustred of Remhoogte, while Ilse Ruthford departs. Frans Smit of Spier and Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines join the board.

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes board for 2027 comprises:

• Jean Engelbrecht (Rust en Vrede), Chairperson
• Amanda de Klerk, Vice Chair
• Danie Steytler (Kaapzicht)
• David van Velden (Overgaauw)
• Carina Gous (Kleine Zalze)
• Schalk-Willem Joubert (Taaibosch)
• Louw Strydom (Kanonkop)
• Ntsiki Biyela (Aslina Wines)
• Bruwer Raats (Raats Family Wines)
• Nic van Aarde (Oldenburg Wines)
• Frans Smit (Spier)

Established in 1971, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes was South Africa’s first organised wine route, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the region’s wines and wine culture through a network of producers. Today, the internationally recognised organisation represents the interests of the region’s wine producers across five sub-routes: Bottelary Hills, Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Valley and Stellenbosch Berg.