Carmen Stevens
Carmen Stevens is a pioneering figure in the South African wine industry—the first black person and first black woman in the country to qualify as a winemaker in 1995. Since founding Carmen Stevens Wines in 2011, she has created luxury, handcrafted wines that are sold primarily in the UK and USA under her Catoria label. Her wines are defined by layered structure, typical cultivar and expressive provenance, and are made entirely by hand—from vineyard to bottle.
Carmen Stevens
Carmen Stevens is a pioneering figure in the South African wine industry—the first black person and first black woman in the country to qualify as a winemaker in 1995. Since founding Carmen Stevens Wines in 2011, she has created luxury, handcrafted wines that are sold primarily in the UK and USA under her Catoria label. Her wines are defined by layered structure, typical cultivar and expressive provenance, and are made entirely by hand—from vineyard to bottle.
Educational Background and Early Career
Carmen, who was raised in poor communities on the Cape Flats, was inspired by the vineyard environments described in romantic novels. After overcoming institutional rejection, she secured a position at Elsenburg in 1993 and became South Africa's first black winemaker in 1995.
Education
- Agricultural Diploma via Lyceum Correspondence College, focusing on viticulture and oenology
- Elsenburg Agricultural College (1993–1995), first black winemaker graduate in South Africa
Professional Experience
Carmen, who was raised in poor communities on the Cape Flats, was inspired by the vineyard environments described in romantic novels. After overcoming institutional rejection, she secured a position at Elsenburg in 1993 and became South Africa's first black winemaker in 1995.
Education
- Agricultural Diploma via Lyceum Correspondence College, focusing on viticulture and oenology
- Elsenburg Agricultural College (1993–1995), first black winemaker graduate in South Africa- Worked at Distell, Welmoed and Amani Vineyards
- Founded Carmen Stevens Wines in 2011, increasing production from 5 to ~150 tons while still remaining artisanal
- Exporting mainly to the UK and USA via the Catoria label
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Top 10 Pinotage (1998)
- Decanter Trophy (2008) for Amani Cabernet/Merlot 2006
- Winemaker of the Year (California, 2015), Winemaker of the Decade (UK, 2018)
- Entrepreneur of the Year (SA, 2017 & 2019)
- 1659 Visionary Leadership Award (2022)
Community Impact & Foundation
Established the Carmen Stevens Foundation in 2011, which feeds over 25 000 learners daily in 125 Western Cape schools. Her foundation also employs and supports numerous community members.
Contestant Summary
All wines are handmade, from harvesting to bottling. Carmen focuses on layered structure, balance, and authenticity. Her wines reflect both feminine and masculine elements, and her process is rooted in sustainable and ethical winemaking.
