VERITAS 2023

10 LIVING LEGENDS 2023

VERITAS LIVING LEGENDS AWARDS 2023

The tradition of annually honouring a handful of industry leaders was continued at this year’s 33rd Veritas Awards ceremony, known for many years as the Oscars of the Wine Industry, on Friday 13 October. This award, instituted by the Veritas Awards in 2009, serves as recognition for exemplary service to the industry over the years – acknowledging their commitment and paying homage to them for remarkable achievements. Thereby, six luminaries received the 2023 Legends Scroll of Honour for their dedication to and enthusiasm and passion for the domestic wine and brandy industries. GARY BAUMGARTEN Gary was born in Cape Town and attended Paul Roos Gymnasium before studying at the University of Stellenbosch, where he obtained his BSc in Agriculture (Oenology and Viticulture) in 1979. He joined KWV in Paarl where he spent 15 years in various capacities including that of chief chemist and manager of quality control and product development. Gary spent his next 16 years at Graham Beck Wines as general manager. Graham Beck Wines comprised two cellars, four farms, two cellarmasters and one single-minded and highly aspirational brand name. In 2011 he was appointed as managing director of Anthonij Rupert Wines with its four cellars, seven farms and six brands, where he played a major role in assisting the company to achieve success locally and internationally. He retired last year and decided to keep on sharing his knowledge and experience in the industry by starting a consulting business on best practice in the vineyard and in winemaking procedures. During his 43 years in the industry, he served as a member of several Wine and Spirits Board work groups concerning wine-related aspects and spirits products, as well as chairperson of the Winetech Winemaking & Technology Committee and as member of the Oenology Winetech Committee in the South African Wine Industry. He was chairperson of Robertson Wine Valley, chairperson of Cape Negociants, Exco Member of Salba and a member of the Wine and Spirits Board. He has judged on the SA Young Wine Show and Veritas panels for many years, as well as at overseas shows. He is a member of the South African Viticultural and Oenology Society and the South African Chemical Institute. Although semi-retired, he is still very active with wine tastings, outdoor activities and, obviously, his golf.