Honouring a passionate educator, pioneering leader and Cape Wine Master whose commitment to wine education and transformation left a lasting legacy.
The Institute of Cape Wine Masters has lost a remarkable woman with the passing of Marilyn Cooper on 22 October 2026. A respected Cape Wine Master and former Principal, Managing Director and CEO of the Cape Wine Academy, Marilyn made an enduring contribution to South Africa’s wine industry through her leadership, knowledge and determination to create opportunities for others.
Her career reflected a deep belief in the power of education. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, she forged her own path and helped others find theirs, championing greater inclusion and access to the world of wine.
Marilyn began her formal wine studies at the Cape Wine Academy in 1986, at the age of 38. She worked as a Wine Advisor for Picardi Magnum in Bedfordview from 1991 to 1995, before compiling restaurant wine lists for Cellarmaster from 1995 to 1999. In 1999, she earned her Cape Wine Master qualification, completing a research project titled “How to improve wine sales in a retail store in Gauteng”.
In July that year, she joined the Cape Wine Academy as Manager for the North, based in Johannesburg. She subsequently served as Principal, Managing Director and CEO, and was also a shareholder in the Academy. She helped guide its transition to a private company and devoted approximately 15 years to the institution, including six as CEO, before retiring in December 2013.
During her tenure, Marilyn worked to strengthen the Academy’s educational offering and extend its reach. In 2011, it celebrated the milestone of more than 100 000 course enrolments since its establishment. Her efforts helped prepare students for careers throughout the wine, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Among her most meaningful achievements was securing funding from the Department of Tourism and the Expanded Public Works Programme to train 200 unemployed young people from townships in the Cape and Gauteng. Through the Wine Advisor – Level 1 Cape Sommelier™ programme, participants gained knowledge and practical skills to pursue opportunities in wine and hospitality. Marilyn described this as one of her most rewarding projects, taking particular pride in the enthusiasm and confidence that education brought to its participants.
Her commitment to transformation also found expression in the launch and organisation of the Soweto Wine Festival. She helped establish an event that became one of the country’s most successful township wine festivals, attracting approximately 10 000 wine consumers and welcoming new audiences into wine culture.
Marilyn’s knowledge was enriched by extensive travel through the world’s wine regions. She explored Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, Champagne, the Rhône and Alsace, as well as Portugal, Italy, Spain, California and Argentina, both as a guide and in the company of Master of Wine Remington Norman.
She shared this experience as a judge at many leading wine competitions, including the Veritas Awards, Trophy Wine Show, Michelangelo Wine Awards, Terroir Awards, Juliet Cullinan Wine Awards and Muscadel Competition. Her judging work also included Woman Winemaker of the Year, Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, and panels for WINE, WineLand and Classic Wine magazines.
Her contribution earned recognition beyond the wine industry. She was named a finalist in CEO Magazine’s “Most Influential Women in Business and Government” awards in 2009 and was nominated again in 2010.
Marilyn brought passion and determination to her work as an educator, leader and advocate for transformation. Her legacy was reflected in the students she taught, the opportunities she helped create and the broader wine community she worked to build.
The Institute of Cape Wine Masters extends its heartfelt condolences to Marilyn’s family, friends and colleagues. We remember her with gratitude and respect, and honour her lasting contribution to South African wine.
Tributes from fellow Cape Wine Masters:
Very sad news, she was a pilar of strength at the CWA for many years. – Bennie Howard CWM
RIP Marilyn! Thanks for all the fun, and for the amazing wine education path. – Margie Barker CWM
Marilyn ran a tight ship at the CWA over the years I did Diploma and CWM. Her passion for wine and life will be what I remember the most. – Mary-Lyn Raath CWM
I have such fond memories of working with her. For a while, classes were held at our Culinary Productions offices in Johannesburg. She was an inspiration and used to tell us as CWM students that if she could do it any of us could. Had the privilege of sharing some very special wines with her over the years. Strict and serious while warm and supportive, her contributions to the industry and to the CWM community should be celebrated. May her memory be a blessing. – Debi van Flymen CWM
Some people leave a huge impact on your life, and honestly, had it not been for Marilyn, I would never have considered CWM. I still remember her words ‘Just go for it!’ – and the relentless nagging, encouraging, tastings and sharing of great wines so generously. She had a huge heart for introducing wine to all and she will be remembered for the years of super-successful Soweto Wine Festival. Competitive, determined and audacious, she made wine buffs and wine lovers out of everyone in her sphere of influence and left a lasting contribution at CWA. Cheers Marilyn! May you rest gently. – Heidi Duminy CWM
Very sad news. I have memories of her bubbly, vivacious personality, always ready for a chat and a laugh. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. RIP dear Marilyn. – Irina von Holdt CWM