RICO BASSON
CEO South Africa Wine
Rico is responsible for ensuring that the South African wine industry’s strategic plan is carefully crafted and effectively implemented and that the organisation’s objectives align with the industry’s overall goals. Under his leadership, South Africa Wine plays a vital role in shaping the industry’s future and driving sustainable development and prosperity. Rico guides and leads a dedicated team to achieve organisational goals and works closely with team members to ensure projects progress smoothly, providing direction, support, and motivation. He collaborates with various partners, fostering strong relationships to drive strategic initiatives and partnerships forward.
CHRISTO CONRADIE
Stakeholder Engagement, Market Access & Policy Manager
Christo is responsible for proactively engaging with stakeholders across all levels of government and organised agricultural businesses to ensure that the interests of our members are heard and understood. He works closely with the respective divisions within South Africa Wine and other relevant bodies such as the Wine Certification Authority (WCA), Food Safety and Quality Assurance (Liquor Products), National Treasury (NT/SARS), Drinks Federation SA (DF-SA), Aware, Transnet, Freight Forwarders, and suppliers along the wine-value chain. We actively consult with and seek input from our members on essential issues to effectively manage business- and reputational risks (i.e. international trade and market access, regulatory activities, illicit trade, excise, and logistics).
MARISAH NIEUWOUDT
Wine Tourism Manager
Marisah leads tourism research, development, and destination marketing for South Africa’s wine sector, managing the Visit Winelands website, and developing campaigns that drive awareness and conversion. She represents and promotes wine tourism across regions, acting as a central reference point. Her role involves extensive relationship management, collaborating with partners like the SA Wine Routes Forum (SAWRF), Wesgro, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), WoSA, South African Tourism, Cape Winelands District Municipality, and Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).
HILL-GARTH CAROLLISEN
Tourism: Marketing Coordinator
Hill-Garth Carollisen brings spark and originality to every idea. She’s the marketing coordinator behind fresh, fun campaigns that get people talking and she runs the Visit Winelands platforms. She keeps things bold and approachable, whether it’s a clever social post or a creative twist on a tourism project.
WANDA AUGUSTYN
Head of Brand and Communications
Wanda Augustyn oversees all communications and is responsible for creating, enhancing and growing South Africa Wine’s brand awareness locally and globally. Her role encompasses creating impactful and timely content that aligns with South Africa Wine’s strategic goals, managing relationships to build a network of ambassadors and solidifying the organisation’s reputation as an authoritative industry body.
ADÉLE CHANGUION
Communications Officer
Adéle is instrumental in improving internal communication within South Africa Wine. She manages staff communications, including newsletters, social media, events, staff orientation, and event planning and coordination. Adéle creates corporate collateral for multiple platforms and helps manage the digital presence.
JOHANNES RICHTER
Journalist
Johannes writes for WineLand magazine and manages the newsletter, which curates and delivers relevant industry news, insights, and updates to subscribers. Johannes’ compelling storytelling and effective communication contribute significantly to keeping the wine community informed and connected. He also manages the collation of our annual South African Wine Industry Directory (SAWID).
INGERÉSE SCHOEMAN
Journalist & Digital Manager
Ingerése writes for WineLand and manages WineLand Media’s digital platforms and online presence. As Digital Manager, she plans and curates digital content to keep the platform informative, engaging and user-friendly. She also oversees WineLand’s social media channels, using a range of platforms to connect with audiences and grow the publication’s digital reach. Alongside her editorial and digital responsibilities, Ingerése hosts podcasts with the rest of the team and shoots and edits video content, capturing visuals that complement and enhance the written narrative.
DORONAE DE RIDDER
Editorial Coordinator
Doronae provides administrative help to the communications team and coordinates the editorial content for the technical articles in WineLand.
MARTINA NEWMAN
Project Coordinator
If there’s a project to coordinate, a deadline to keep an eye on or a dozen moving parts that need to come together, chances are Martina is somewhere in the middle of it. As Project Coordinator, she helps keep projects on track and ensures the details, deadlines, and people involved are all moving in the same direction. She is involved in various WineLand Media projects and operational initiatives across South Africa Wine.
TALITHA WESSELS
Advertising Manager
Talitha oversees WineLand Media’s advertising campaigns, ensuring revenue growth and client satisfaction. Her responsibilities include selling advertising space across our print and digital platforms and generating new business through features, collaborations, and sponsorships.
