South Africa’s “Mr Chenin” and trailblazer, Ken Forrester, was the recipient of the Man of the Year Award by the influential UK publication The Drinks Business for his contribution towards the international wine industry. This prestigious award was presented by The Drinks Business during the London Wine Fair, hosted at Olympia London, on Tuesday, 16 May 2023.
Criteria considered by the panel of judges included unparalleled leadership, business acumen and major deal broking success. This award also recognises outstanding contribution to the broader global wine industry.
“Ken Forrester’s contribution to the South African wine industry is truly remarkable, especially in his role as a champion for Chenin Blanc, which has become a symbol of our country’s winemaking prowess. As a former chairman of Stellenbosch Wine Routes and the current chairman of the Chenin Blanc Association, he has made an indelible mark on the wider wine community. We wholeheartedly applaud him for this extraordinary achievement,” notes Siobhan Thompson, CEO of Wines of South Africa.
Ken Forrester in The FMC vineyard, planted 1974.
Ken Forrester’s career path from hotel management to the restaurant trade and eventually becoming a winemaker seemed quite unlikely! In November 1993 Ken and Teresa bought on auction an abandoned historical vineyard first planted in 1689 on a 50ha property in Stellenbosch. His attention immediately turned to an old bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyard…
Fast forward almost three decades, Ken Forrester has had a profound impact on the South African wine industry as a flag-bearer for world-class Chenin Blanc. Producing numerous revered Chenin Blancs in all their different guises and styles.
Ken Forrester and his team firmly believe in the ethos of conscious and sustainable farming and continuously make an effort to improve and innovate. The constant focus is on quality, providing maximum job opportunities and adding value in their community on an ongoing basis.
This award is another milestone in a rich and illustrious career in the wine industry, on the back of the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award which was also awarded to Ken in February 2023.