The South African wine industry mourns the sudden loss of Prof Eben Archer, internationally renowned researcher and viticulturist, on 26 June 2019.

“Prof Archer leaves behind a great legacy and he will be truly missed as a lecturer, mentor, friend and pioneer. Our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues,” says Francois Viljoen, consultation service manager of Vinpro, the representative organisation for South African wine grape producers, cellars and wine-related businesses.

Prof Archer started his career in 1971 as a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Nietvoorbij, where he was a pioneer in viticultural research for nearly two decades. Thereafter he was a lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s viticulture department for 17 years and later went on to be a viticultural consultant both internationally and locally, including at Lusan Premium Wines.

According to Francois the majority of the industry’s viticulturists, winemakers and producers have been influenced by Prof Archer in one way or the other, whether as a student, applying his research or following his advice.

“His enthusiasm for wine grape cultivation and knowledge transfer was contagious. He had the gift of conveying even complex concepts in a simple and practical way, regardless of his audience. Prof Archer also made a substantial contribution to the outstanding quality of South Africa’s wines today, through his continuous research and practical application of modern viticultural techniques over the past 48 years,” says Francois.

Issued by: Vinpro

Media enquiries:
Wanda Augustyn
Vinpro Communications Manager
Tel: 021 276 0463
E-mail: wanda@wineland.co.za