15 Nov Feast of the Flower and Three New Members
The Commanderie welcomed three new Commandeurs at the Fête de la Fleur held on 3 November at Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Carina Gous is one of South Africa’s leading wine marketers who headed the wine division at Distell before becoming an independent consultant. In her role with the liquor giant she developed and presided over some of the country’s best-known wine brands, spearheading local and international growth. Today Carina is recognised as one of South Africa’s foremost wine marketing experts.
Lorraine Immelman is founder and CEO of the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards, South Africa’s leading international drinks competition. From humble beginnings in Lorraine’s Johannesburg garage, Michelangelo now sees over 1 800 wines and spirits annually entering this competition which is judged by a panel comprising of predominantly international judges. Through Michelangelo, Lorraine has helped create a formidable awareness of South African wines in the international market-place.
Rijk Melck is a qualified medical doctor who runs the Melck family wine farm Muratie. This is the oldest wine farm in the Stellenbosch region and dates back to 1685. Muratie is committed to Bordeaux grape varieties and famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style blend wine named Ansela. Besides furthering wine excellence, Rijk is also a leading player in conserving the South African wine culture and historical legacy.