Johann Krige, who owns Kanonkop together with his brother Paul, says Strydom will be in a senior managerial position overseeing various aspects of production, sales and marketing. He will take-up his position on 1 September.

“Myself and Paul are extremely pleased to have Louw on board in the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer,” says Krige. “At the youthful age of 37 he brings with him a vibrant energy, experience in international and global marketing as well as acute knowledge of the digital space in which much of the wine world’s activities occur. He will be a true asset to Kanonkop, ensuring we continue to grow both our image as a leading Cape wine brand as well as market-share for our wines.”

Strydom says the opportunity to work for Kanonkop is a true honour and a highlight in his career in the wine industry thus far.

“Kanonkop embodies greatness which can be attributed to various aspects,” says Strydom. “Being a fourth-generation family wine farm, Kanonkop bears both legacy and provenance, these adding gravitas to the reputation of the brand. Then there is the exceptional Simonsberg terroir, home of some of the greatest red varietal vineyards in South Africa, as well as the traditional approach to winemaking that has resulted in Kanonkop having made – and continue to make – some of the finest wines in the world.

“Kanonkop is not only a South African icon, but a world icon, too, and I look forward to partnering Johann and Paul in taking the brand and its glorious wines into a new era.”