In a showcase of skill and dedication, Nongcebo Langa, the winemaker at Delheim Estate situated in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, clinched the 2023 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Langa’s burgeoning career, earning her recognition among the country’s most exceptional winemakers.
Established in 1981, the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year stands as a hallmark competition in South Africa, celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of winemakers in the Cape cellar. The addition of the Young Winemaker of the Year category 23 years ago aimed to foster the talents of winemakers under 30, encouraging their growth and contribution to the global prestige of South African wines.
Langa’s triumph came through her submission of the Delheim Gewürztraminer 2022, a white wine that captivated the expert panel amidst a competitive array of entries across the Cape Winelands.
Reflecting on her achievement, Langa expressed profound gratitude, stating, “It is impossible to describe what this award means to me.”
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Reaching new heights
Joining the esteemed roster of past Diners Club winners holds immense honour for her, elevating her passion for winemaking to new heights. Having just turned 30, this victory marks her transition into the broader winemaking arena, signifying her entry into the “big leagues.”
Originally from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, Langa lacked a formal wine background. Her winemaking journey sprouted from a high school agricultural bursary, fueled by the prospect of exploring the global wine landscape.
Langa’s academic pursuit led her to complete an MSc in oenology at Stellenbosch University, where she delved into researching the impact of smoke taint on grapes – a pertinent subject in fire-prone areas of the Cape.
Her ambition to traverse the wine world materialized through work experiences in Sonoma County, California, and Germany’s Pfalz region before she joined Delheim in 2019 as an assistant winemaker.
Nurturing a deep appreciation for heritage and legacy within winemaking, Langa emphasises Delheim’s significance in her career. The estate’s rich history, coupled with the distinctive Simonsberg terroir, is a wellspring of inspiration for her winemaking pursuits.
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Making her mark
Nora Thiel, co-owner and director of Delheim, lauded Langa’s win, affirming her invaluable contribution to the estate since day one. Thiel commended Langa’s scientific approach, intuitive understanding of Delheim’s terroir, and her all-encompassing dedication to the craft.
As part of her accolade, Langa is awarded an air ticket to a wine destination of her choice, with Bordeaux being her dream visit – an opportunity to explore the pinnacle of the wine world.
Langa’s triumph not only crowns her as a rising star in South African winemaking but also signifies the continued legacy of Diners Club in honouring exceptional local talent. Her win stands as a testament to the innovation and passion that define the future of the country’s winemaking landscape.
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