The ceremony, held on 18 June 2014, was the first to be held in Johannesburg, following the founding of the Chapter in South Africa in 2011. Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg heads the local chapter, whose members include professionals in winemaking, viticulture, wine trade and marketing, cuisine and journalism.
Fry is a Cape Wine Master (CWM), director and lecturer of the Cape Wine Academy and a mentor to CWM candidates. She is an office bearer of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters and former chairman of the South African Society of Wine Tasters. She is a regular judge for the Diners Club Wine Maker of the Year and Young Winemaker of the year awards. In her professional life, she is a certified business coach with ActionCOACH, specialising in SME coaching.
"The Commanderie is a platform for educating responsible use of wine and promoting a wine culture in South Africa. It is a great honour to be accepted into the Commanderie, not only in South Africa but also in the wider fellowship of Commanders," says Fry.