VERITAS 2025

LIVING LEGENDS 2025

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programme using plant material that had been smuggled into the country by his father and others, laying the groundwork for future vineyard excellence. Just four years later, he earned international acclaim when Backsberg’s 1986 Chardonnay was awarded the coveted Domecq Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition for Best South African White Wine. Throughout the 1990s, Michael continued to expand and innovate. Together with his father, he initiated a brandy distillation program in 1991 and in 1995 won the Domecq Trophy again, this time for Best Brandy of the Show. In 1998, he launched Freedom Road Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa’s first “empowerment wine”, with the first bottle signed by President Nelson Mandela in Parliament – a symbolic milestone marrying business with social change. This commitment to empowerment deepened in 2002 with the completion of the Freedom Road housing project, enabling all Backsberg staff to own their homes. Michael was early to adopt technology and sustainability initiatives: he introduced roto-tanks in the late 1980s, pioneered screwcap bottling in 2003, began the journey to carbon neutrality in 2006, and earned recognition such as the Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Award (2009) and Biodiversity Champion status (2010). His bursary programme funded the equivalent of 150 years of tertiary education for staff and their families. His achievements were widely recognized: in 2014 he was made a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and in 2015, he received the Drinks Business Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2021, after nearly five decades in wine, Michael sold the family’s interests in the industry. In 2023, Michael and Simon acquired a fruit marketing company, C Fruit, as a springboard into the next chapter of the family’s agricultural journey. He retired in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, integrity, and impact. JOHAN MALAN Johan studied BSc Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University like his father, Frans. After graduation he joined the Simonsig team in 1981, and the next year he stepped into the position of head winemaker. He held this position for 41 years until 2023, before handing over the reins to his son, Michael. During his career he made major changes to the Simonsig red wine portfolio. The red blends of Tiara, Frans Malan, Redhill Pinotage and Merindol Syrah were the culmination of his dedication to making top class red wines with more body, concentration and structure. He made his first Simonsig Chardonnay in French oak in 1982 and six years later the Simonsig Chardonnay 1988 was rated the best South African white wine at the IWSC in London. The Kaapse Vonkel was in its infancy in 1982 and still contained Chenin Blanc as the grape variety. Johan changed the blend in 1987, when he introduced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for the cuvée. In 1997, Kaapse Vonkel became the first Cap Classique to include all three the classic grape varieties used in Champagne when Pinot Meunier joined the fold. Over the years Simonsig has