Blaauwklippen’s Narina Cloete recognised as Woman Winemaker of the Year

“History was made recently when Blaauwklippen’s head winemaker, Narina Cloete, was crowned Woman Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious LUMO Awards.” This honour places her at the forefront of a growing shift in South Africa’s wine industry, where women are increasingly recognised as standard-bearers of excellence and innovation.

At the same ceremony, Blaauwklippen Estate – where Cloete has led the winemaking team since 2016 – received four major honours, earning Double Gold for its 2023 Chardonnay and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gold for its 2022 Malbec and 2020 De Blaauwe Klip vintages.

“Wine tells a story of people and places, and few places have as rich a history as Stellenbosch as the home of some of the world’s most celebrated wines. I’m incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated team at Blaauwklippen and to see our wines recognised alongside the many outstanding wines produced in Stellenbosch,” she notes.

“For me, this award is not only a personal honour but also serves as an important celebration of the many women who are working to bring fresh vision to South African wine.”

Women are redefining the future of South African winemaking

While deeply honoured to receive the Woman Winemaker of the Year award, Cloete says the recognition is shared with the many hands that helped craft these wines, as well as the women who paved the way before her.

She is part of a broader generation of women reshaping South African winemaking, from viticulturists and cellar masters to business leaders and marketers. Together, these female industry leaders are working to draw on the country’s storied history while bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas to winemaking, and expanding the global reach of local brands like Blaauwklippen.

“Many of the country’s most innovative wines today are being crafted by women. Viniculture is about finding balance – on the vineyard, in every cask, and in every bottle. By nurturing the talents of female winemakers, we are moving toward even greater balance, ensuring that men and women shape the industry in equal measure.”

Celebrating quality and integrity in winemaking

The LUMO Awards, now a fixture on the South African wine and spirits calendar, are judged exclusively by women, but welcome entries from all producers, male and female alike. Special recognition is reserved for female-led wineries, ensuring that women’s leadership is clearly visible in a field where it has historically been underrepresented.

Cloete was ultimately recognised for her overall excellence in the craft and impact on the industry over the past two decades. After graduating cum laude in Oenology from Stellenbosch University, she worked harvests at Glen Carlou, Dornier, AA Badenhorst, and Stellenzicht, honing her skills before becoming head winemaker at Quoin Rock in 2010. She later joined Blaauwklippen, where she has built a reputation for consistency, artistry, and the ability to bring out the unique expression of Stellenbosch’s environment.

She has also served as a judge on many respected panels, including the Veritas Awards, the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, and Spain’s Zarcillo International Wine Competition. While this breadth of experience has given her a global perspective, she remains committed to ensuring that South African wine retains its identity.

“Visibility is power. When young women see awards celebrating other women, it tells them that they belong, and that they can compete at the highest levels. Our responsibility as winemakers is to keep opening those pathways for them to succeed,” she concludes.