Debbie has been with the beautiful Le Grand Domaine Wine Estate in pristine Devon Valley of Stellenbosch, since January 2020.
When I finished high school, I had visions of becoming a veterinarian, now 27 years later I can say that choosing winemaking as a career was a decision that l will never regret.
I enjoy the hard work and challenges involved in winemaking, the ability to express myself and create a product that showcases my passion and that brings enjoyment to others.
I graduated from Stellenbosch University in 1999 with a BSC Agricultural Degree in Oenology, that same year I was appointed as the red winemaker at Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. I was thrown into the deep end and had to learn very quickly how to make and constantly improve on wines created at this large family run Estate with over 200ha under vineyards.
I was also placed in charge of cellar production and in harvest time with the help of my team; we crushed and processed 2700 tons of grapes both white and red. It was tough going in the beginning and I was one of only a few women in the wine industry employed as winemakers at the time; that being said I have enjoyed every minute of this amazing life journey.
I left Simonsig at the end of 2019 to start a new chapter of my life as the Winemaker, Cellarmaster and Manager of Le Grand Domaine wines in Devon Valley in Stellenbosch.
Le Grand Domaine is a smaller operation where I have the freedom to craft super premium wines with my signature on the bottle; this opportunity has allowed me much personal growth and satisfaction, absolutely loving the new space I am in.
When I am not making, tasting or marketing wine, I love to spend my time with my two daughters, Hannah (16) and Jesse (13) and my husband Simon. For relaxation I go trail running in the vineyards of the majestic Devon Valley.
My name is Mosima Mabelebele, and I was born and raised in Mokopane, Limpopo, South Africa.
I am currently one of the winemakers at Le Grand Domaine, but my journey into wine began in 2017 in a way I did not expect. At first, I wanted to study Food Science and had applied at the University of Johannesburg, but I did not have the funds to pursue that path. I later found out about a bursary from the Department of Agriculture, which allowed me to explore different career options. That opportunity led me to BSc Viticulture and Oenology, and I packed up my life to begin a new chapter in the Western Cape. I have always loved agriculture, especially seeing how a small seed can grow into something much bigger, and that love made the world of vines and wine feel like a natural place for me to grow.
During my studies, my passion for winemaking grew as I learned more about the science behind growing grapes and turning them into wine. I did my first harvest at Rustenberg Wines while studying, and I also experienced the people-focused side of wine at Remhoogte Wines, which showed me how much connection is part of this industry. After graduating in 2022, I joined the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, where I had the privilege of learning from experienced winemakers at Hartenberg Estate, Groot Constantia, and Boschkloof Wines. I also gained international harvest experience in France, Austria and Georgia, which opened my eyes to different ways of making wine and helped me grow in confidence. In 2023, I created my first wine under the Cape Winemakers Guild, Kopano, a name that means “being together” in Sepedi. That name is close to my heart because it reflects what I believe wine can do: bring people together, create memories, and tell meaningful stories.
Beginning of 2025, I joined Le Grand Domaine, and I had the opportunity of working with Debbie Thompson and the team, which was very special as it was my first encounter being led by a woman and experiencing how much detail and care goes into the process.
I had the opportunity to be involved in cellar projects such as making Orange wine. I was honoured to be recognised as one of WineLand’s 30 Under 30 in 2026. My hope is to keep learning, keep growing, and continue making wines that carry pieces of my background, my journey, and the future I want to help build in South African wine.
When I’m not busy blending and tasting wines, I love exploring different places, tasting the wines others are making, and enjoy cooking.
I am one of the winemakers at Le Grand Domaine Winery. I was drawn to winemaking during my gap year while contemplating whether a life as a microbiologist would fill my cup. I soon realised that a life in a laboratory was not for me while discovery that winemaking would allow me to combine my love for science, art and nature.
I studied BSc Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch after which I realised I still did not know enough. I then continue my studies with a Master’s degree in Viticulture where I observed the impact of multiple environmental factors on the greenness of Merlot grapes and wines.
In 2017 I participated in an international study tour involving universities in Stellenbosch, Adelaide and Switzerland, travelling through Switzerland and Spain. The experience shaped my perspective on the international wine industry.
I worked a harvest at the remarkable De Toren Private Cellar, alongside talented Charles Williams, where I learned the importance of attention to detail. I was introduced to precision viticulture as they used various tools to map their vineyards and sectioned harvest batches accordingly to ensure optimal ripeness of each parcel.
I also worked a harvest at Guardian Peak Winery under guidance of Danielle Le Roux who showed me what it takes to be a woman winemaker. We worked with grapes from all over the Western Cape which just reminded me how vastly different certain regions can be from one another. One of the best feelings was having a variety of components from all over to play around with as we made and refined blends.
In 2020 I joined the team at Morgenster Wine Estate as head winemaker under in wings of consultant and winemaker of the infamous First Verse wine, Chris Keet. He has been a wonderful inspiration to me and showed me how important it is for a winemaker to know their vineyards and work hand in hand with the viticulturist. I had the privilege to work with various Italian varietals such as Nebbiolo and Sangiovese as well as being in charge of a small cellar and team processing only 160 tons of grapes. Attention to detail was a big part of our daily routine in such a boutique winery.
In 2023 I left the team to do some research in Europe to learn more about permaculture farming. I worked on various farms in Northern Italy and Slovenia where they combined various crops including grapes as well as other fruits and vegetables to form more balanced ecosystems. I did however learn that in South Africa we are doing a pretty good job at protecting our endemic species by leaving land untouched for fynbos and wildlife to thrive.
Later in 2023 I joined Debbie and the team at Le Grand Domaine. Debbie has been a role model to me ever since I joined the wine industry. Working beside her has been an incredible journey so far, with her endless flood of knowledge that I enjoy tapping into as we work together. I have been working on multiple projects, including making our first Pinot Noir as well as incorporating regenerative practices into our pristine vineyards.
When I am not with my head in a wine tank, or busy preparing blends, I like to blow off steam on long hiking trails with my husband or creating steam by baking something sweet (PS – I bake one of the best cheesecakes you will ever taste!).
