Janine van Zyl

Company

IWSC

Janine van Zyl is a Cape Wine Master with experience in the hospitality, wine, and spirits industry since 2010, where she has built a career that bridges fine dining, wine education, and digital marketing.

Janine is the International Account Manager at FirstPour, one of the world’s leading social media agencies for wine and spirits, she also serves as the South African, African, New Zealand and Australian Brand Manager for the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) and is the Sales and Advertising Manager for Club Oenologique, working with premium wine and spirits brands globally.

Her experience extends to judging and industry analysis, having been invited to sit on panels for some of the most influential wine and spirits competitions, including the IWSC, Michelangelo Wine & Spirits Awards, Veritas Wine Awards, and the Fine Wine Awards sponsored by American Express, to name a few. Her expertise in tasting, evaluating, and identifying quality across various styles has established her as a respected voice in the industry.

Before fully transitioning into the wine world, Janine founded Cold Gold Artisan Ice Cream and Sorbet, an award-winning ice cream business. Over its successful 10-year run, she received numerous accolades, including being named Huletts Young Pastry Chef of the Year in 2014, Young Entrepreneur Champion of South Africa by the NSBC in 2015, and Most Innovative Business by Fast Company South Africa in 2015/2016. The business was also a runner-up for both the Cape Talk Small Business of the Year and the Western Cape Premier Green Business of the Year in 2015.

Janine has also been recognised for her contributions to the wine industry, being named one of South Africa’s 30 Under 30 Movers and Shakers in Wine in 2022, winning the Prue Leith Alumni Award in 2023, and representing South Africa as part of the winning sommelier team at the annual Ubuntu Challenge.

Through her social media platform, @diekeldermeisie, she shares engaging and educational content, fostering a deeper appreciation for wine among both industry professionals and consumers. Her ability to combine technical knowledge with approachable storytelling has made her a trusted figure in the world of wine and spirits. Whether conducting tastings, or collaborating with brands, her focus remains on authenticity, education, and creating meaningful connections between producers and consumers.