Mike Ratcliffe

Owner: Vilafonté Vineyards & Wine Business Advisors Chairman

Michael S. Ratcliffe is a globally recognised leader in wine business strategy and wine tourism. Raised within the family legacy of Warwick Estate, he has spent close to three decades shaping premium wine brands and driving innovation across the industry in South Africa and internationally.

He is the owner and co-founder of Vilafonté, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed fine-wine brands, and the founder and chairman of Wine Business Advisors, a global consultancy advising wine, tourism, hospitality and retail businesses on strategy, growth, mergers, acquisitions and innovation.

Beyond commercial leadership, Mike plays a central role in destination development. He is the Founding Chairman of Visit Stellenbosch and Chairman of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, contributing significantly to Stellenbosch’s positioning as a world-class wine tourism destination.

Mike is widely respected for his strategic insight, entrepreneurial mindset and ability to bridge tradition with innovation in the global wine and tourism landscape.