Twenty-seven years ago the CWG had only eight members. Now, with the addition of five new members, the ranks have swelled to 41.

The vision of the original eight was simple – they wanted to make sure South African wines would rate among the best in the world.

The latest wine-makers to have joined this prestigious association are Rianie Strydom (Haskell Vineyards), Andries Burger (Paul Cluver Estate Wines), Frans Smit (Spier Wines), Boela Gerber (Groot Constantia) and Pierre Wahl (Rijks Private Cellar). Rianie Strydom is the fourth woman to have joined since the Guild’s inception.