Wendy Appelbaum

Wendy Appelbaum is a South African entrepreneur who owns and is also the chairman of De Morgenzon Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. She served as the former Deputy-Chairman Wiphold, a women’s investment holding company listed on JSE. Besides, she also holds a strong position in other local and international organisations.

Altogether, Wendy is largely recognized for her selflessness, leadership skills in business and economic development, interest in general health and welfare, and her role in advancing women empowerment. She co-founded the company with 10 other influential women and together, they empowered women from all walks of life. They empowered women who were completely disadvantaged and helped them understand how to invest and increase their finance.

In 2003, Wendy and her husband, Hylton bought the DeMorgenzon Estate, a wine and agricultural farm. The wine farm is 224 acres of garden vineyard where abundant wildflowers grow between the vines. It is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa and the word ‘DeMongenzon’ means ‘the morning sun’.

DeMorgenzon is one of the top wine producers in SA. Her first vintage was a Chenin Blanc in 2005, and this was the first maiden vintage to get 5-star ratings in the SA Platter’s Wine Guide. It also won the International Chenin Blanc Trophy for three years in a row at the International Wine Challenge in London.

Over time, it has been awarded the unprecedented Platter’s White Wine of the year for two consecutive times and International Trophies for Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Award. The DeMorgenzon Maestro White 2014 was one of the top 100 of 2017, while the DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 was one of the top 100 wines for 2016 according to the Wine Enthusiast.

Wendy sells about half a million bottles of wine a year, exporting 85% of it. Her main markets include the US, UK, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Canada and others.