L’Ré Hughes was born and raised in Stellenbosch and has taken her childhood love of the land to award-winning heights. After global harvests and a Master’s in France, she now leads Stellenzicht Wines, crafting bottles that speak of place, patience and passion.
You were born and raised in Stellenbosch, and now you’re shaping its future through your work at Stellenzicht. How has growing up in this region influenced your relationship with the land and your winemaking philosophy?
Growing up in the heart of the Cape Winelands lends a unique take on life. I have early memories of getting “stuck” in traffic behind tractors pulling harvest bins full of little bunches of grapes. Specific areas of town get a distinctive smell of fermenting grapes and shops suddenly stock nostalgic mosbolletjies to celebrate harvest. The start of autumn was signalled by the vineyard’s leaves turning yellow and orange, followed by the quiet winter rains. Spring symbolised the promise of new beginnings when tiny green shoots turned the Winelands into a bright green canvas. My winemaking philosophy has been shaped by this childhood awareness of nature and her ability to create. I believe that if you work alongside her, respect the soil and adjust your approach when needed, you will yield the best possible product.
With a background in viticulture, oenology, and a master’s in wine business from France, you bring both scientific and strategic insight to the cellar. How do you balance the art and science of winemaking in your day-to-day role?
Winemaking is always a balance between art and science. A deep love of chemistry and biology led me to winemaking, but experience taught me to trust my gut and instinct when blending. I liken blending to a chef creating a dish - it’s about showcasing the variety in the best possible way. Technical decisions like picking dates, sugar levels, fermentation techniques and maturation are essential, but blending is where you use your artistic side to create a layered wine that excites.
Winemaking is my passion and I love the hustle and bustle of harvest, but ultimately I’m creating a product that must be sold. My role now includes managing the estate and business. Finding the balance between making terroir-driven wines and sustainable business decisions has been a journey. We have an incredible team who bring their expertise, helping us work toward shared goals. That makes my life easier.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what have been some of the defining challenges, and opportunities, you’ve encountered on your journey?
The wine industry has changed a lot over the last few decades. Winemaking is a passion, not just a job, and I’ve been fortunate to love it from day one. I’ve had amazing mentors, male and female, who guided and encouraged me. It’s a physically demanding job, but I teach my female interns to work smarter. Women bring a unique perspective and problem-solving style that adds value. I never allowed myself to entertain the possibility of failing. A positive attitude, hard work, and dedication drove my career.
There were sacrifices, including delaying starting a family to focus on my career. I love my family and will always teach my kids to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.
You have recently won the Trophy for Best Overall Red Wine, Judges’ Choice and Shiraz at the Trophy Wine Show. Your wines are celebrated for their sense of balance and deep respect for the local terroir. What principles guide you when crafting a wine that genuinely reflects its origin?
Shiraz at Stellenzicht has a rich history and legacy. From day one we focused on planting the right varieties in the right soils and understanding the microclimates. We give equal attention to all our blocks and do multiple pickings within a block based on taste and sugar. We keep different batches separate and apply various fermentation techniques to elevate the wines.
2023 wasn’t looking like the best vintage on paper, and we faced challenges during harvest, but patience was key. We gave the wine the time it needed, and the result showed incredible fruit purity, elegance and spice. Some vintages just have that magic. Our philosophy stays the same: give the vineyards the best chance to shine, and trust that mother nature will do the rest.
What kind of leadership do you aim to model for the next generation, particularly for young women pursuing careers in wine?
Women bring a unique energy, strategy and problem-solving approach to the workplace. I’ve always given my team space to grow and made sure they see the bigger picture. When things get tough, we all stay focused on our shared vision.
Stay true to yourself. Trust your gut. Love what you do - your passion will guide you. Be humble, keep learning, ask questions, and learn from your mistakes. I’m still figuring things out, but I love the process. It’s made me a better winemaker and a better person. I’m thankful for the mentors who encouraged me and opened doors.
If winemaking or agriculture excites you, don’t let fear stand in your way. Take a chance. Shadow someone in the industry. And if you go for it - have fun. It’s an amazing industry with great people, and you get to enjoy what you do every day.
As L’Ré continues to lead Stellenzicht with equal parts precision and passion, her story is a reminder that great wine is not only a product of soil and science - but of vision, patience, and the people who nurture it. In every bottle she blends, there’s a legacy of place, purpose, and the promise of what the next season may hold.
