André Morgenthal, South African wine industry communicator, dies
By Christian Eedes, 28 January 2026
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André Morgenthal, wine communications consultant, died in hospital last evening at the age of 54. Born on 12 November 1971, he studied philosophy, languages and drama at the University of Stellenbosch in the early 1990s.
As part of his career in wine, he worked several vintages at Domaine Bertagna in Vougeot, Burgundy, as well as making wine on a small Stellenbosch property under the label Clos du Ciel.
In 2001, he joined Wines of South Africa (WOSA) as Communications Manager, focusing on media relations, wine tourism, and representing the South African wine industry within the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. In 2016, he resigned from WOSA to establish his own consultancy, and was involved in a number of ventures, including assisting Rosa Kruger with the Old Vine Project (OVP).
A highly visible and deeply networked figure, he brought producers, trade and media together – often around a table with a bottle open – and will be greatly missed.
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Francois Rautenbach | 28 January 2026
Rest In Peace André,
A true friend who touched so many with his love of wine. No one better to chat to whether to share an anecdote or to seek insight, advice or a contact.
Deepest condolences to all who loved him and knew him.
Eva Reh- Domaine Bertagna | 28 January 2026
He will be terribly missed by us as a long time friend
And part of our family he will always be in our mind
We loved him
Thanks for your your friendship my dear friend.
Siobhan Thompson | 29 January 2026
Andre was a caring and gentle person who truly lived for his work and his love of wine. He will be remembered fondly. My sincere condolences to his family.
Wade | 29 January 2026
A great wine man and greater human being. With the Old Vine Project, Andre was one of the chief architects of arguably the most important development in SA wine of the last 25 years.
Jacqueline Lahoud | 29 January 2026
Feeling gratitude for having known and loved this gentle soul and cuddly-wine-bear. André, you will be missed.
Tim James | 30 January 2026
André will indeed be missed by many. We had a long, warm and respectful chat about him on our tasting group WhatsApp. He served the wine industry very well.
Thabiso Paatjie | 30 January 2026
We will miss you Andre
Caroline Rillema | 31 January 2026
Andre always had the respect to reply to emails or messages and did his best to advise or point one in the right direction. Elusive actually, but always ready to help. He gave his life to our world of wine and was so well-liked. He loved and respected the product of the vine, especially sharing it with others with a good meal!
rainer kloos | 31 January 2026
Deeply saddened by Andre’s early departure to the vineyards at a faraway place.
What a special human and his deep invovement in particularly the old vine project which has drawn the rest of the wine world to take note.
Rest well Andre.