A New Generation of Wine Tourism Leaders at Kanu Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Get the Details Here

Published on December 12, 2025

South African wine tourism is fast emerging as among the most exciting and dynamic sectors within South Africa, and at Kanu Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, it’s a mix of connection, storytelling, and hospitality. As one of the most beautiful places for vineyards and producing world-class wines, Stellenbosch has been famous for its beautiful vineyards and fine wines. The special thing about Kanu Wine Estate, however, is that they focus on creating a personal experience for everyone who visits them. It goes beyond the wines they are offering because it’s about making people feel like they belong.

Wine Tourism and the Human Experience at Kanu Wine Estate

At the heart of the wine tourism experience at Kanu is a unique blend of wine, people, and storytelling. It’s not just about tasting fine wines, but about connecting with the stories behind them. Tasting room manager Cobus Germishuys believes that wine tourism is more than a series of tastings—it’s about creating human experiences that resonate deeply with visitors. His leadership style is centered on teaching his team to engage with guests, pace their experiences, and most importantly, share stories with authenticity and confidence.

For Cobus, it’s the personal touch that makes all the difference. The way a visitor is greeted, the stories shared about the land, the passion behind the wine, and the warmth of hospitality create an atmosphere that invites guests to return again and again. The goal is to make each visit feel like an exclusive experience, rather than just another stop on a wine tour. This approach, built on human connection and genuine service, is fast becoming a key factor in South Africa’s rise as a premier wine tourism destination.

The Role of Young Ambassadors in Wine Tourism

At Kanu, four young ambassadors—Ross Rhodes, Jahni Gerber, Neve Costello, and Matthew Wege—are the next generation of wine tourism leaders. These students, each with their unique background and perspectives, are gaining real-world experience in hospitality, tourism, and wine culture. Under Cobus’s mentorship, they are learning the vital skills required to make wine tourism a memorable experience for visitors from all walks of life.

Ross Rhodes: Bridging Agriculture and Economics in Wine Tourism

Ross Rhodes, a student of Agriculture and Economics at Stellenbosch University, brings a unique perspective to wine tourism. Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Ross’s academic background and passion for quality wine have drawn him to the Western Cape. He sees wine tourism as an important economic driver, one that fosters growth in local economies and brings attention to South Africa’s rich agricultural heritage. At Kanu, Ross works directly with visitors, guiding them through tastings and engaging in conversations that highlight the region’s history and wine culture. His hands-on involvement gives him insight into how wine tourism strengthens both the estate’s reputation and the broader tourism industry in the Western Cape.

Jahni Gerber: Sharing the Heritage and Culture of Wine

Jahni Gerber, raised on a wine farm where her father has worked for more than 40 years, carries with her a deep understanding of the challenges and traditions of the wine industry. With a background in Humanities and Linguistics, Jahni helps visitors connect with the cultural identity embedded in each bottle of wine. For her, wine tourism is not just about the product—it’s about sharing the people, the history, and the stories that bring the wine to life. She takes pride in offering visitors a window into the rich cultural heritage of South Africa’s wine farms, making every tasting a journey through time and tradition.

Neve Costello: From Culinary Student to Hospitality Advocate

Neve Costello, a culinary student, joined Kanu to better understand wine in the context of her future career as a chef. However, her experience at the estate has given her a much deeper appreciation for the heart of hospitality. Through working alongside Cobus and the tasting room team, Neve has learned how to make guests feel welcome and create an environment of warmth and camaraderie. Her role in guiding tastings, helping to serve wines, and supporting her team during events is crucial in ensuring that every visitor feels like part of the Kanu family. Neve’s work contributes to the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back to the estate.

Matthew Wege: Bringing an International Perspective to Wine Tourism

Matthew Wege, who is studying Aviation with a focus on flight attending, offers an international perspective on the wine tourism experience. At Kanu, he supports the tasting room team and learns how service and professionalism influence a visitor’s perception of South Africa’s wine culture. For Matthew, the connection between wine tourism and opportunity is clear—through his work at Kanu, he gains valuable customer service and hospitality skills that can be applied to various industries. His experience is helping him understand the global appeal of South Africa as a wine tourism destination.

Impact on Travel and Tourists: The Role of South Africa’s Wine Estates in Global Tourism

As traveling enthusiasts, visiting a vineyard like Kanu represents more than just an opportunity to sample some good drink—it represents an opportunity to connect with the earth, with the people, and with the stories associated with that bottle. As a destination, South Africa represents an authentic experience that will appeal not only to aficionados but also to tourists. The efforts put forth by young ambassadors like Ross, Jahni, Neve, and Matthew will ensure that the next generation associated with the wine industry in South Africa is capable and knowledgeable.