It is no small task steering a wine ship with a history of excellence dating back to 1906, least of all through highly challenging times for the South African wine industry over the past two years.
Hats off to Wellington Wines CEO Francois Pienaar, who did so admirably, always remaining optimistic that the steadfast legacy of Wellington Wines will buoy it up successfully despite precarious times.
Pienaar fulfilled the role as CEO for the past three years and 2021, his last year, was nothing less than an excellent example of what a team can achieve through outstanding leadership and perseverance.
His time as CEO saw Wellington Wines rose to many a podium for distinction awarded across the board. The team wishes him success in his future endeavours, spending quality time with his wife and children.
Wellington Wines welcomes Francois van Niekerk, current cellarmaster and production manager, taking over the reins from Pienaar when he retires on 31 December 2021. Already intricately involved on the production side since 2015, van Niekerk assumes his new role as CEO on 1 January 2022 with great anticipation at the start of a new harvest.
Working closely with the 60 members across Wellington and neighbouring areas has ingrained Van Niekerk’s vast knowledge of the terroir and the consistent quality of fruit at his disposal. Wellington Wines is confident that his experience will steer us in a new direction with the right game plan, taking the brand forward.