Andri Hanekom
13 July 2026
Lucinda Heyns
13 July 2026Janco de Kock
Janco de Kock
Educational Background and Early Career
- Academic Studies: Janco developed his passion for the agricultural sector and went on to complete his specialized degree at Stellenbosch University, a world-famous institution for winemaking and grape growing. His interest in the global wine industry lead him on a path of obtaining his various WSET qualifications, he is currently in the final stretch of his diploma level. He has also completed the Business of Wine course at UCT, gaining valuable insights and skills that have proven to be of great value in his own business journey.
- Global Harvest Tours: After finishing his university studies, Janco knew that book learning was not enough. He travelled extensively to gather international experience, working demanding harvest seasons in premium global wine regions including in The Alexander Valley in California and the Wachau Valley in Austria.
Professional Experience
- Academic Studies: Janco developed his passion for the agricultural sector and went on to complete his specialized degree at Stellenbosch University, a world-famous institution for winemaking and grape growing. His interest in the global wine industry lead him on a path of obtaining his various WSET qualifications, he is currently in the final stretch of his diploma level. He has also completed the Business of Wine course at UCT, gaining valuable insights and skills that have proven to be of great value in his own business journey.
- Global Harvest Tours: After finishing his university studies, Janco knew that book learning was not enough. He travelled extensively to gather international experience, working demanding harvest seasons in premium global wine regions including in The Alexander Valley in California and the Wachau Valley in Austria.
- Commercial Winemaking: Janco serves as a full-time Production Winemaker at Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards. This critical role exposes him daily to large-scale, highly technical winemaking operations.
- Boutique Entrepreneurship: Alongside his commercial career, Janco launched his independent passion project, Anco Wines, based out of the Paarl region. Here, he shifts away from commercial rules to experiment with small-batch, intuitive, and natural wine blending methods.
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Double 95-Point Award: Janco burst into the spotlight at the FedEx Next Generation Awards, an event honouring top emerging South African wine talent. His Spontaan 2023 scored a massive 95 points from critical judges. A year later that same wine scored another 95 points at the Fine Wine Awards, winning its category
- Industry Honor Roll: In 2025, Janco was formally recognized by the industry when he was named one of Wineland Media's Top 30 Young Wine Professionals.
Contestant Summary
Janco de Kock perfectly represents the dynamic "new generation" of South African winemakers who are rewriting the traditional playbook. By day, he handles large-scale operations with technical precision; by night, he crafts artisanal, character-filled Rhone blends for his own label. His unique ability to balance contemporary flavours, fresh textures, and strict technical skill makes him an exciting figure to watch in the global wine scene.
