VERITAS 2021

WHITE WINES/WITWYNE 12

DON TOOTH Don was born in Johannesburg and matriculated in Kimberley. He studied at University of Port Elizabeth, before joining De Beers. He also completed an MBA from University of Stellenbosch. In 1985 he joined Anglo American Farms near Franschhoek. His passion for the South African wine industry started late 1987 when, as a financial manager, he developed and presented the business plan to acquire Vergelegen to the Anglo American Board. In 1991 he took responsibility for the Western Cape’s farming operations of Anglo American Farms, which included Vergelegen and Boschendal. In 1994 he was promoted to Director - Wine Operations. He played a mammoth role in the marketing success of Vergelegen wines over 30 years, increasing wine sales both locally and internationally, while promoting South African wine at the same time. Don’s broader involvement in the wine industry began with him joining the Board of Cape Estate Wine Producers Association and he was part of the team that had developed the restructured Estate Wine Producers legislation as we know it today. He also served on the Board of Wines of South Africa for several years and was a founder member of the Cape Vintners Classification. In 2000 he was promoted to Managing Director of Anglo American Farms and oversaw the restructuring of the Company and the sale of Boschendal. He held this position until his retirement earlier this year, spending his whole career of 45 years with DeBeers/Anglo American.