WineLand 30 Under 30 Awards 2026 – Call for Nominations for Young Leaders in South Africa’s Wine Industry
WineLand Media, in collaboration with ROTOCON and Auric Barrels, has opened nominations for the WineLand 30 Under 30 Awards 2026, an initiative that recognises and celebrates the next generation of leaders shaping South Africa’s wine industry.
The programme highlights young professionals under the age of 30 who are making meaningful contributions across the wine value chain, including viticulture, winemaking, research, marketing, and industry development. By showcasing emerging talent, the initiative aims to provide visibility to individuals who are introducing innovative approaches, strengthening industry competitiveness, and contributing to the long-term growth of the South African wine sector.
Each year, thirty young professionals are selected and featured in the WineLand Media June issue, providing national recognition and industry exposure. From this group, one exceptional individual is also awarded the Luminary Award, recognising outstanding leadership and impact within the sector.
The programme reflects the industry's commitment to supporting youth development and cultivating the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals within South Africa’s wine ecosystem.
Country
South Africa
Who Can Be Nominated
Eligible nominees include young professionals active in the South African wine industry and its broader value chain, such as:
- Viticulturists
- Winemakers
- Soil scientists and researchers
- Sommeliers
- Wine marketers and brand managers
- Wine entrepreneurs and business professionals
- Industry educators and technical specialists
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be 30 years old or younger
- Be actively working in the South African wine industry or its value chain
- Demonstrate innovation, passion, and leadership within the sector
- Show clear impact or contribution to the industry
- Be available for an interview if shortlisted
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by an appointed in-house panel of judges. Selected candidates will be recognised as part of the WineLand 30 Under 30 cohort and featured in WineLand Media’s annual youth-focused edition.
Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
- National recognition in WineLand Media’s June 2026 issue
- Visibility across the wine industry ecosystem
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers
- Professional recognition as emerging leaders in the sector
One participant will also receive the Luminary Award, recognising exceptional achievement and influence among the selected candidates.
Deadline
13 March 2026
14:00 SAST
Nominations are currently open and can be submitted HERE: https://eu-west-1.protection.sophos.com/?d=google.com&u=aHR0cHM6Ly9kb2NzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20vZm9ybXMvZC9lLzFGQUlwUUxTYzZFa3Rtd1dFRlNlOVRfZWtFLThGS3ZRbTU1U3REZEFwTGEtZWVvYUl6UWNXUUdBL3ZpZXdmb3Jt&p=m&i=NjRlZGIyMWFhYzhhNjgwOGFiMWRkNzFk&t=Zzc3UnFTRmdMMzRhT1M2ZVlDOVJkeU15b2hyOVFTT01WeUZNUzI3SjdkND0=&h=9878027bdeea43a7a1ef944845975f1e&s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVaAIynpy6bKL-T0P-WGR8rRJxc8mJubHtVsddCSKmJLhg