Hannes van Rensburg, retiring group manager of Nederburg Wine Farms,  after over four decades has left a deep imprint on the South African wine industry. A widely respected viticulturist, he has been involved in several milestone developments with a far-reaching impact on the local wine industry.

He was, for example, closely involved in the establishment in 1998 of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), the trailblazing system which placed South Africa in the international forefront of sustainable wine-growing.

His career started in 1973 at Nietvoorbij from where he had been seconded for post-graduate study. Five years later he was appointed viticulturist at Nederburg. This was the start of a relationship which would endure until his retirement 36 years later. He served as general manager of Nederburg Wine Farms from 1986 until earlier this year.

In this role he was closely involved in the introduction of the latest viticultural techniques, not only on Nederburg’s own farms, but also on some of its supplier growers. He played a key role in the identification and development of new wine-growing areas such as Elgin and Darling, and in experimental plantings of lesser-known, mostly Mediterranean cultivars.

He also remained actively involved in the activities of a number of industry bodies. In 2012 he was honoured by the South African Society for Enology and Viticulture (SASEV) with its highly prestigious Medal of Merit “for his exceptional contribution to the country’s wine industry”. In recent years he has acted as moderator of the viticulture exam for prospective Cape Wine Masters.

He is continuing his involvement in some of the industry bodies he has served over the years. Keen to share his knowledge gained over a period of four decades he also intends establishing himself as a viticultural consultant. He can be reached on082 564 3259.