04/02/2022
Carmen Stevens, the first black South African allowed to study winemaking was honoured with the iconic 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership this year. The criteria for individuals or organisations to qualify for this prestigious award include demonstrable efforts and initiatives that have benefited the South African wine industry; a lasting impact and legacy; and to encourage and inspire others in the industry.
Carmen has 25 years of winemaking experience. After initially being barred from enrolling at Elsenburg due to the colour of her skin, Carmen went on to work as a winemaker for different premium vineyards before founding Carmen Stevens Wines (PTY) Ltd, the first 100% black woman-owned winery based in Stellenbosch.
Apart from producing several highly awarded wines, Carmen serves on the Wine and Spirits Board and is a representative on the South African Transformation Unit board.
Carmen is committed to giving back and youth development in the wine industry is close to her heart. She strongly believes in the power of early empowerment programmes to enable children to rise above their circumstances. To date her NPO has provided 11 622 731 plates of food to 41 363 learners.
She is an active industry role player and a respected personality within the wine industry who continues to inspire numerous aspiring, emerging and established winemakers across the spectrum.
