IWSC announces its 2022 President

The IWSC is honoured to announce Johann Krige, CEO of Kanonkop Wine Estate, as its 2022 President.

Four times winner of its Winemaker of the Year accolade, and recipient of Outstanding Producer of the Year in 2019, the IWSC has a long and established history with Johann and Kanonkop.

Together with his brother Paul, Johann oversees the daily operations and management of the Kanonkop Estate.  Situated on the lower slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch region of the Cape, Kanonkop’s 125-hectare estate (100ha under vine) is recognised as one of South Africa's leading estates.

Every year since 1976, the IWSC has selected a president of renown from within the industry. Someone who is recognised for their achievements and who works hard to promote their product and brand, the industry, and the people who make it unique.  Johann follows 2021’s IWSC President Michael Urquhart, former managing director of Scotch whisky company Gordon & MacPhail and he is only the second South African to hold the President title, the first being Dr Anton Rupert back in 1996.

South Africa has long played a vital role within the IWSC, with entries often dominating New World awards, and its wineries, most recently Vilafonté, recognised as the IWSC’s Outstanding Wine Producer of the Year.

In celebration of its new President and its South African connections, the IWSC is excited to announce its plans to take its rigorous wine judging competition to South Africa.

As the world’s most established drinks awards continues to innovate and evolve, this June, the IWSC will take five* industry experts and established judges to join forces with local judges in South Africa, to taste and award wines submitted from wineries across the country.

The IWSC’s South African wine judging will take place from Monday 6^th June and further details of how to enter will be available shortly on the IWSC website. Entries must be submitted before Monday 2nd May and the results will be announced from 13 June.

Christelle Guibert, CEO for the IWSC comments: “We are delighted Johann has accepted the role as 2022 IWSC President. It is many years since we have had a President from South Africa, so it's high time we recognise the development and growth of the South African industry. The IWSC always had a strong link with the South African industry, and after two very difficult years, we are delighted to choose South Africa as our host country for 2022.”

Johann Krige adds: “As co-owner and CEO, my position is not one for the limelight – that spot goes to the winemaker and the teams in the vineyards and the cellar who are able to honour our farm’s terroir with wines that have achieved greatness on the international stage.”

Krige adds: “I have always believed in the repute of the IWSC and the way in which the organisation goes about recognising excellence in wine and spirits, as well as its role in promoting that excellence among global audiences. As a South African producer, I am proud to represent our country’s incredible wine industry at a time when its international stature is growing.”

As part of its celebration of South Africa, The IWSC Foundation also plans to grant two bursaries of up to £2.5k to individuals in the South African wine industry. Further details of these bursary’s and how to apply will be shared closer to June.

Finally, following the completion of its 2022 Awards, the IWSC looks forward to hosting members of the trade at its annual awards ceremony at The Roundhouse, London, scheduled for Thursday 29th September.

*IWSC South Africa Wine Award Judges:

• Alistair Cooper MW, Consultant
• David Kermode, Journalist & Broadcaster
• Elizabeth Kelly MW, Wine Buyer, Majestic Wine
• Matteo Montone MS, Consultant
• Victoria Mason, Wine Buyer, Waitrose