Meet the Speakers
Marelise Jansen
In January 2007 I started as winemaker at Beaumont Wines in Bot River, which I called my home for the inspiring 8 years that I worked there. During these years(2007 – 2014) I did some extensive travelling and learning abroad by doing internships in Burgundy (France), Priorat (Spain), Douro (Portugal) and Rhone (France).
2011 marked the beginning of my own project, Momento Wines, which I
nurtured for a few years before going solo at the end of 2014. With
Momento Wines, I am currently based at Gabrielskloof in Bot River, where
I craft, make and manage my wines.
Adam Mason
Qualifying as a winemaker in
1997 (and currently making wine at Mulderbosch in addition to my own
labels Yardstick and Marvelous), I have always enjoyed the cultural
exchange that accompanies the celebration of wine. I believe South
Africa is in a unique position to share our diverse culture in the form
of a multitude of wine styles, and one of my preferred incarnations is
Chenin biased white blends. Aside from making wine, I am the father of 3
formidable daughters, and married to a gifted artist, Louise Mason.
Bruce Jack
The winery called Flagstone will always feel like one of Bruce's kids. Flagstone was an early developer with a strong character all of its own. It flew the coop in 2008 when it was sold to Constellation Brands.When Constellation sold various operations to Champ Private Equity, Bruce remained on as chief winemaker for what is today known as Accolade Wines South Africa. Bruce has been named "Winemaker of the year" three times and is a member of The Cape Winemakers Guild. He also makes wine in Spain and France.
"Wine should do a small, simple thing- it should add joy to life" Bruce Jack
Chris Alheit
Together we spent some golden years travelling overseas, working vintages in many-a-faraway place, tasting many wines. In 2010 we started Alheit Vineyards in a rented cellar on a friend's farm near Hermanus. Our goal is to show that the Cape's vinous heritage is worth celebrating and protecting, that old vineyards and "ordinary grapes" are in fact wonderful, and that we are only now scratching the surface of what is possible in the Cape.
We have two kids so far. Family is the most important thing for us.
Abrie Beeslaar
His track record at Kanonkop
has been nothing but spectacular. His 2008 International Winemaker of
the Year title is just one of many top local and international accolades
he has garnered, including Veritas Double Gold medals, ABSA Top 10
Pinotage listings as well as a number Platter 5-star ratings and producer of the year in Platter’s South African Wines 2009.
Abrie is married to Jeanne, and they have 2 children, Ben and Emma.
He enjoys hunting, fishing and golf and loves spending time with friends
and family.