Pretoria: Cape Town: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has honoured South African-born Achim von Arnim, a pioneer of Cap Classique and founder of Haute Cabri¨re. The Minister described Von Arnim, who passed away on Monday at the age of 80, as someone who did far more than craft wines but shifted the trajectory of an entire industry. ‘It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Achim von Arnim, a man whose name is woven into the story of South African wine,’ the Minister said in a statement on Thursday.

According to South African Government News Agency, after completing his studies at Geisenheim in Germany, Von Arnim joined Boschendal in the 1970s as a winemaker at the age of just 32, where he created South Africa’s first Blanc de Noir. The publication said he later became a founding member of the Cap Classique Association in 1992. In retirement, Von Arnim remained in Franschhoek, dedicating his time to art, poetry, and karate.

With his curiosity, Steenhuisen said, Von Arnim’s uncompromising standards and unmistakable flair helped South Africa believe its sparkling wines could stand proudly among the world’s best. ‘Many producers who have gone on to build their own legacies will quietly tell you that they learned their courage, their palate, or their sense of potential from Achim. Achim leaves behind a hole far larger than the vineyards he tended to or the cellars he had built.’

The Minister reflected on the community of winemakers, farm workers, restaurateurs, and loyal customers who were shaped by Von Arnim’s generosity and spirit. ‘Furthermore, he leaves behind memories shared around countless family tables where many a Sunday lunch across South Africa was made more special by opening a bottle of his iconic Haute Cabri¨re Chardonnay Pinot Noir.’

On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, the Minister extended his sincere condolences to Von Arnim’s family, to the team at Haute Cabri¨re, and to all who walked part of their professional journey with him. ‘South Africa has lost a legend; however, the imprint Achim von Arnim leaves on our wine culture will endure for generations.’

The publication said Von Arnim is survived by his wife, Hildegard, their four children – Takuan, Zoe, Tanja, and Tamo – and their grandchildren.