Winners of the 2026 WineLand Media 30 Under 30 Awards were honoured on 5 June at Bacco Estate in Paarl. As an event sponsor for seven consecutive years, ROTOCON has maintained its support for young professionals in the South African wine value chain through its ongoing collaboration with Wineland Magazine, helping to showcase and support emerging talent in the industry. Auric Barrels also served as an event sponsor.
ROTOCON extends its congratulations to all 30 winners. Spanning viticulture, winemaking, marketing, hospitality, sales and wine tourism, the programme highlights the next generation of leaders helping to shape the future of South African wine.
A highlight of the award ceremony was the announcement of Tristan Maske as the 2026 Luminary Award recipient. Presented annually to an individual whose influence extends beyond their immediate role, the award recognises leadership, vision and a meaningful contribution to the broader wine community.
Tristan Maske is a wine curator, storyteller and community builder. Through initiatives such as The Wine Intern, Lekker Doos, The Platform South Africa and Ex Animo Wine Co., Tristan has become an advocate for South African wine and a connector of people. His work focuses on making wine more accessible, inclusive and relevant to a new generation of consumers.
Another highlight of the event was the announcement of ROTOCON’s 2026 label design competition winner, Mpilo Mthembu, in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), SA Litho Label Printers, and Polyflex Premedia.
Michael Aengenvoort, CEO of ROTOCON, was one of the keynote speakers at the event. “You are the generation standing between tradition and possibility, with the opportunity to leave things better than you found them,” said Aengenvoort. “Congratulations on being here, and keep working hard to build something worth inheriting.”
This year’s 30 Under 30 ambassadors, featured in the June 2026 issue of WineLand, are:
Bradwin Lester | Dayton Charles | Elani Nell | Esterina Fourie | George Mandefu | Helene Joubert | Hugo Pietersen | Jean Botha | Jennifer Keenan | Johannah Shibe Moloantoa | Julia du Preez | Lanél Smith | Leandri Bosman | Louwrens Johannes Laing | Lucilia Ramos | Luhan Steyn | Matthew Grant | Mila Malherbe | Mosima Mabelebele | Moteku Mawela | Nicole Pelzer | Rein Ernst | Rudi Johns Smith | Sarah Coppings | Shannon Jacobs | Simon Terblanche | Stephanie Joubert | Terry-Ann Joan Klink | Tristan Maske | Wesley Soule.