South Africa’s wine industry is bursting with fresh talent, and Michelle Waldeck stands out as one of the most promising young winemakers shaping its future.
At just 29 years old, Michelle has left an indelible mark on the industry, crafting award-winning wines and championing sustainability at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate.
While at Swartland High School in Malmesbury, Michelle often drove past vineyards, sparking her interest in their cultivation. With a love for the outdoors and no clear idea of a future career, she enrolled to study viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University, intent on working among the vines.
However, her trajectory shifted during a six-month internship at KWV. Stepping into a red wine cellar for the first time, Michelle was captivated. “Sometimes your destiny chooses you,” she says.
During this time, she met Johann Fourie, Benguela Cove’s cellarmaster, who later became her mentor when she joined the estate as an assistant winemaker in 2017.
Michelle’s journey at Benguela Cove has been one of growth, guided by the mentorship of cellarmaster Johann and the estate’s owner, Penny Streeter OBE. “Johann’s technical expertise and humility are traits I aspire to emulate,” she says. “And Penny’s dynamic leadership is a constant reminder that success comes from hard work and persistence.”
Under their mentorship, Michelle has thrived, contributing to the estate’s success in producing cool-climate wines that consistently earn acclaim. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she earned a spot on WineLand Media’s 30 Under 30, was a finalist for the Diner’s Club Young Winemaker of the Year award (for the second consecutive year) and ranked in the top 10 for the WineMag FedEx Next Generation Awards.
“For me, these recognitions affirm that I’m on the right path,” Michelle says. “They motivate me to work harder and contribute to the exciting future of South African wine.”
At the start of Hermanus’ wine route, Benguela Cove is situated within the Kogelberg Biosphere and along the Botriver Estuary. It offers visitors a holistic experience that blends wine with natural beauty.
“We aim to create a place that connects people with nature,” Michelle says. The estate incorporates its surroundings into every aspect of its offerings, from fynbos-inspired décor to a chef’s menu that showcases local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy eco-cruises at the estuary, vineyard safaris, and tastings highlighting the estate’s commitment to sustainability.
This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, Benguela Cove has been named one of the World’s Best Vineyards for two consecutive years and recently won the LuxAwards Best Tourism Experience for 2024.
At Benguela Cove, sustainability is of utmost importance. Michelle is passionate about their efforts to protect the environment while producing world-class wines.
“We’ve made significant strides in sustainability,” she says. “In the vineyard, we use natural predators instead of chemicals, which has improved soil health and biodiversity. We’ve introduced mulching and cover crops to conserve water and partnered with the Hermanus Botanical Society to preserve the natural fynbos on our property.”
In the winery, the focus is on reducing waste and energy consumption. Solar panels power much of the estate, grape by-products are composted, and packaging is being reimagined to minimise its environmental footprint. “It’s about creating a system where everything works together harmoniously.”
Seven years into her journey at Benguela Cove, Michelle shows no signs of slowing down. Beyond winemaking, she is committed to mentoring the next generation of winemakers. “I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible people, and I want to pay that forward.”
She is particularly excited by the trends shaping South African winemaking. “We’re seeing many young women entering and making a big impact in the industry. There is also much young blood adding value and pushing boundaries in the industry. We are also growing in leaps and bounds if we look at innovation on the wine tourism side. It feels like we are making South Africa’s presence known regarding quality and experience.”
Her advice for aspiring winemakers? “Firstly, ensure this industry is where you want to be; it’s not for the faint-hearted. But if you have the drive and passion to persist, it is so gratifying. Work hard and remind yourself every day why you do what you do. Find a group of peers who push you to improve and always be the person you need when starting. It’s important always to be critical of criticism! Let it guide and fuel you, but never let it break you.”
Michelle is also excited about the collaborative spirit in the South African wine industry. “There’s a shared vision of putting South African wine on the global map, and it’s amazing to be part of that movement.”
