Denise Stubbs is the CEO of Thokozani Wines, a majority women-owned company whose name means “Celebration” in Zulu,, and a director at Diemersfontein Wines.



Born to two agricultural labourers in Pniel during the harsh Dop system, Denise has spent the past 22 years transforming South Africa’s wine industry, empowering vineyard workers into business owners.



Thokozani now produces award-winning wines and operates a 4-star guesthouse, managed by the very women who once worked the land. Her leadership has been recognised with the 2022 Transformation and Diversity Award (Groot Constantia), South Africa’s Leader of the Year (FEDHASA 2024), the Standard Bank Top Women Leadership Award (2024), and international recognition as a Top Women Entrepreneur in Agriculture and Tourism (Florida, USA 2019).



Her philosophy is captured in Thokozani’s hard-won slogan: “We work the land, and we own the brand.” Denise is committed to expanding Thokozani Wines globally, sharing the story of empowerment, ownership, and resilience.



Join us in the discussion around Thokozani Wines & Hospitality