Steenberg Farm, South Africa’s oldest registered farm nestled in the cool Constantia wine region, has appointed Thabile Cele as Assistant Winemaker. This marks not just the next step in Thabile’s personal journey but a significant milestone in Steenberg’s continued commitment to transformation, mentorship, and female leadership in the South African wine industry.
For Elunda Basson, Steenberg’s celebrated Winemaker, the decision to welcome Thabile into the permanent team was a long-considered one and rooted in intention and values.
“We have been very patient with keeping this position vacant until we were truly ready to invest our time and energy into mentoring a junior team member,” says Basson. “Thabile is the perfect match. Her humility, work ethic, thirst for knowledge, and deep passion for our terroir make her the right fit. She will add tremendous value to our business.”
Thabile’s appointment is the natural outcome of a journey that began in 2023, when she joined Steenberg for a harvest internship. Drawn by the opportunity to work with high-quality sparkling wine, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, and lesser-known varietals like Nebbiolo, Thabile found far more than technical experience, she also found a team that nurtured her growth.
“Being appointed Assistant Winemaker at Steenberg feels like coming home,” Cele shares. “There’s a rare kind of comfort in finding a workplace that feels like family. I’m excited to keep growing here, both personally and professionally, and to contribute to the wines we create and the team culture that drew me in from day one.”
For Basson, mentoring Thabile is both a privilege and a responsibility. After more than two decades in the industry, she sees herself as a bridge between generations and ready to pass on knowledge and create opportunities for emerging talent to flourish.
“My career is at the stage where I’m ready to share what I’ve learnt,” says Basson. “I want to help Thabile find her voice, believe in her power, and step confidently into her space in the industry. It’s also about giving her access and bringing her into industry conversations and spaces where she can learn, lead, and leave her mark.”
Thabile credits Basson’s mentorship as pivotal to her development, describing it as both confidence-building and grounding.
“Elunda has helped shape not just my technical skills, but also my mindset. She reminds me that winemaking is a lifelong learning journey. Her support has made all the difference.”
This milestone strengthens the already-resonant female-led narrative at Steenberg. From its founding by the bold and visionary Catharina Ras to its present-day leadership, the estate has long championed the strength and grit of women in wine.
“There’s a special energy here that speaks to people,” Basson reflects. “It’s part of who we are and Thabile has that same fire. Women winemakers have grit. And Steenberg has grit.”
Beyond symbolism, Thabile’s appointment signals Steenberg’s unwavering focus on diversity, transformation, and developing future wine talent.
“We take our responsibility seriously,” says Basson. “Every year, we welcome a diverse group of harvest interns and continue to support them long after they leave. We want to build an inclusive and fair industry and one where young talent, especially young women, have access to opportunity.”
Thabile embraces that responsibility, too, and sees her presence as part of a larger purpose.
“The wine industry remains male-dominated, and I hope my journey encourages other young women to see themselves in this space. I’m excited about the innovation happening at Steenberg; the new varietals, the creative projects, and the chance to honour tradition while pushing boundaries.”
Says Basson: “There are some phenomenal young talents in our industry that are desperately looking for an opportunity to show what they are capable of. We need to nurture and develop the next generation of wine stars to ensure our wine industry stays relevant and strong!”