iTOO Special Risks is excited to announce its sponsorship of this year’s prestigious Next Generation Awards, dedicated to recognising and celebrating the exceptionally talented young winemakers across the country.
Now in their second year, the awards are convened by Winemag.co.za and will showcase emerging winemakers’ innovative approaches and unique contributions to the winemaking industry and highlight the next generation of leaders in this field.
iTOO Regional Head Tiaan Erasmus notes that the sponsorship underscores his personal commitment to supporting the next generation, whether in winemaking or broader industries, as he strongly believes in the importance of mentoring and creating pathways for emerging talent.
“For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring young professionals through the local insurance institute, meeting remarkable individuals and witnessing their growth. This experience reinforced the importance of nurturing the next generation, which is why the Next Generation Awards resonated with me on a personal level,” he explains.
“Beyond that, my passion for agriculture has played a significant role in shaping my involvement in the wine industry. While I consider myself an amateur wine collector, my appreciation for wine is deeply rooted in a broader love for agriculture.”
Erasmus says that as the insurer of numerous soft fruit exporters, fruit growers, wineries and other agricultural risks, iTOO has adopted a different perspective on the sector, recognising the importance of supporting businesses that face challenges not just from nature but also from broader economic and regulatory landscapes.
In terms of collaboration, Erasmus points out that iTOO plays a significant role by connecting various facets of its brand, whether in agriculture, collectables or specialised risk cover. There is a strong, golden thread running through these sectors, creating a natural synergy that strengthens this initiative.
Jacqueline Lahoud, Business Director at Winemag.co.za, says that there are various aspects of the online publication that tie into iTOO’s expertise in special risk insurance, reinforcing the connection between the awards sponsorship and its broader business strategy.
“Winemag’s audience includes vineyards, wineries, sommeliers and restaurant owners, all with unique insurance needs. Additionally, 75% of our audience comprises high-net-worth individuals who not only invest in fine wines but also in collectables like cars and art,” she says.
“With the Next Generation Awards, our goal is to ensure that South Africa cultivates a thriving future generation of winemakers. Despite their youth, these talented individuals deserve early recognition for their craft, and we strive to elevate their profiles both locally and internationally. This is where iTOO plays a crucial role.”
Lahoud adds that this project is particularly meaningful not only because it highlights emerging talent and celebrates the contributions of young winemakers but also showcases iTOO’s alignment with this vision – its dedication to recognising youth and fostering excellence makes for a perfect partnership.
The winner of the Next Generation Awards will receive a prize of R10 000, while the runner up will walk away with R2 500. There will also be goodie bags for the Top 10 participants
Last year’s awards saw 62 wines from 37 winemakers (all wine categories were permitted) being blind-tasted by a three-person panel. The scoring was done according to the 100-point quality scale, which determined the Top 10.
To qualify, entrants for the Next Generation Awards must be 35 or younger on the date of the awards ceremony, 20 June 2025. Wines will again be tasted blind by a three-person panel. Entries close on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. For the rules and entry form, click here.