TAKING THE
BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA
TO THE WORLD.

Raised in the Cape’s Winelands, his most memorable experience with wine was at the impressionable age of five during a pre-school outing to a wine cellar. After the winemaker handed out small cups of must (freshly crushed grape juice) to all the pupils, Jacques was enamoured: “It was a taste revelation. I recall the juice being so sweet and concentrated, and a very specific smell of fermentation esters floating in the air. It certainly triggered something in me,” he reflects. From there, the decision to become a winemaker came naturally. At 18, Jacques went on to study winemaking at Stellenbosch University.

For a lucky few, there is a definitive moment when the world quietly slips away, and all that remains is an inspired instant between you and the wine that leaves you awestruck. For others, it’s a special memory that confirms your love for wine. For Danielle Coetsee, Cap Classique Winemaker at Boschendal, it was a combination of both.

Charl grew up in Wellington, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. In this small town there was always an atmosphere of excitement during harvest season with tractors full of grapes driving through the streets and harvest festivals a plenty. Having always loved the outdoors there was a natural draw for Charl towards viticulture from a young age which developed into a love for wine and eventually winemaking. After school Charl went to study BSc Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and thereafter completed his Masters degree in winemaking.