VERITAS 2024

LIVING LEGENDS 2023

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Currently in the Helderberg, DGB is replacing 130 hectares of virus-infected vineyards, showing its commitment to producing world class wine. These bold initiatives underpin DGB’s premium wine ambitions as part of a vision driven by Tim Hutchinson. These achievements have left an indelible mark on our industry. He is a remarkable legend in our industry. DR JOHANN RUPERT Johann Rupert grew up in Stellenbosch where he matriculated at Paul Roos and attended the University of Stellenbosch, studying economics and company law. After three years’ studies, Rupert embarked on a career in investment banking in New York City. In 1979 he returned to South Africa and founded Rand Merchant Bank which he led until 1984. He then joined and went on to head the Rembrandt Group. In 1988, he established Compagnie Financière Richemont, a Swiss-based luxury group of which he is currently chairperson. He also holds senior positions in several other businesses. Throughout his career, Johann Rupert has earned numerous awards and distinctions. Voted three times as Most Influential Leader in South Africa, he has also been named Business Leader of the Year on several occasions and was singled out by the World Economic Forum in 1992 as one of its Global Leaders of Tomorrow. He holds honorary doctorates from Stellenbosch University, Nelson Mandela University and the University of St Andrews. In 2009, he received the University of Witwatersrand’s Management Excellence Award and was named Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. As the chairman and largest shareholder of Richemont, the world’s third-largest luxury goods company, he has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the global luxury market. Johann’s international business career, however, did not prevent him from having a profound interest in the South African wine industry. Distillers Corporation was started by his father, Dr Anton Rupert, and Johann was well acquainted with the wine business over all the years. He has played an enormous role behind the scenes to guide and inspire the wine industry to achieve greater heights for more than 30 years. He founded the Institute of Viticulture and Oenology with the University of Stellenbosch and provided the startup finances for five years for this very important body in the wine industry, with its primary objective to co-ordinate long-term research. Johann wanted the wine industry needs to be at the forefront of research in SA – research to be applied in the industry to grow its international status as a world class producer of quality wines. The Rupert Foundation is well-known for granting bursaries for students to study viticulture and oenology to ensure enough young people join the industry. The Foundation ensures that learners with good matric marks and