![]() ![]() Who can doubt that Eben Sadie has in just over 20 years played a profound leadership role in the opening-up of a new South African wine region and a new local wine character and identity? Due to the demand for change, rejuvenation and the implementation of vision in today’s wine arena, a talented person can – with respect to the old-guard – achieve in 15 or 20 years what it took his or her predecessors 40 or 50 years to do. With the speed at which the modern world and the modern wine industry allows change to be affected, a winemaker, viticulturist or wine marketer no longer needs four decades in the profession to make his or her mark. And up until now, these criteria have appeared to be exclusively appropriate to industry veterans of at least 60 years of age. The criteria for individuals or organisations to qualify for this iconic 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 game of wine. Previous recipients of the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award include individuals of the likes of Dave Hughes, Spatz Sperling, Norma Ratcliffe, Charles Back and Danie de Wet, which pretty much says it all in terms of the accolade’s representative gravitas. These awards, a traditional highlight on the Cape wine calendar, have been vital in recognizing the roles of various industry stalwarts who have been at the forefront of getting the South African wine industry to where it is today – namely one of the world’s great wine corners in terms of quality of product, innovation, energy and character. Not only by recognizing the role of persons of colour and emphasizing the industry’s commitment to transformation, but also by admitting that “visionary leadership” can be shown by people who still have the power of youth on their side. By presenting this accolade to Carmen Stevens, the petite and feisty winemaker who 25 years ago began paving the way for many of today’s black winemakers, these awards veered onto a new path. The South African wine industry must be commended for the step it took in selecting the individual on which to bestow this year’s 1659 Visionary Leadership Award during the annual function at Groot Constantia.
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