YOUNG WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR 2025
Stellenbosch Vineyards Celebrates Our Young Winemaker of the Year: A Proud Moment for Our Cellar and Our Future
At Stellenbosch Vineyards, we have always believed that great wine is shaped by passion, curiosity, and the courage to keep pushing boundaries. This year, that belief was affirmed in the most inspiring way: our very own Marnich Aucamp has been awarded the 2025 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, a prestigious honour that recognises South Africa’s brightest wine-making talent under the age of 30.
This achievement is not only a win for Marnich, it is a proud moment for our entire team, our cellar, and the legacy of excellence we continue to build.

A Recognition of Exceptional Talent
The Young Winemaker of the Year award stands as one of the country’s most respected accolades for emerging winemakers. It celebrates innovation, technical mastery, and the unique stories winemakers capture in each bottle.
This year, the competition focused on White Wine, and after a rigorous judging process by some of the most respected professionals in the industry, Marnich was recognised for his remarkable Credo Chenin Blanc 2024, a wine that reflects both his skill and our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
A Win That Reflects Our Values
At Stellenbosch Vineyards, we champion young voices and believe deeply in nurturing the next generation of winemaking visionaries. Marnich’s achievement reminds us why this matters. His curiosity, discipline, and humble pursuit of excellence have shaped him into one of the country’s most exciting young talents.
His award-winning Chenin Blanc shows his intuitive feel for balance, expression and terroir qualities that align perfectly with what the Credo range stands for: authenticity, purity of fruit, and wines made with intention.
A Team Victory
While this recognition highlights Marnich’s individual brilliance, it also shines a light on the collaborative spirit within our cellar. Every accomplishment is built on shared knowledge, mentorship, teamwork, and the culture of excellence that runs through Stellenbosch Vineyards.
This award reinforces what we stand for:
- Craftsmanship rooted in Stellenbosch heritage
- Investment in young talent and innovation
- A commitment to producing wines that compete proudly on the global stage
Looking Ahead
Winning Young Winemaker of the Year marks only the beginning of an exciting journey for Marnich and for us as a winery. As he continues to grow, experiment, and refine his craft, we look forward to seeing how his creative vision continues to influence our wines and inspire our team.
A Message From All of Us
To Marnich: Congratulations. We are incredibly proud of you, your work, and the passion you bring into every barrel and every bottle.
Your achievement represents not only your talent but also the bright and promising future of Stellenbosch Vineyards.

