It is hot and dry in the vineyards and the harvest is a tiring, but rewarding time. No-one knows this better than Org de Rac voorman Joey (Johannes) Klaasen who is leading his team of harvesters through the vineyards one last time. Joey has reached retirement age and will be reluctantly hanging up his boots and gloves when the harvest is over.
The Org de Rac voorman hails from the nearby town of Piketberg and has spent his entire working life on farms, first on a fruit farm producing apples, peaches and pears, and later on the table grape farm Môreson. For the past 15 years, Joey has contributed his knowledge, energy and loyalty to Org de Rac. He is proud of the growth and development that have taken place on the farm over this period.
“This was wheat land,” says Joey, who remembers preparing the ground for the planting of the first Org de Rac vineyards in 2001. Merlot grapes were the first to be planted, he recalls, and these were followed by Cabernet and Shiraz plantings. Working as a driver and voorman, Joey also played a key role in the building of the Org de Rac cellar and other farm buildings.
““I’ve been very happy in farming,” he reflects, “I’ve got no complaints.” ”
For Joey, the most rewarding part of his job is working with other people and sharing his knowledge with them. But the highlight of his career was undoubtedly a trip to London and Amsterdam, undertaken in 1997 with Org de Rac estate manager, Oom Hendry Bredenkamp, who has worked with Joey off-and-on for more than three decades.
After retiring, Joey will spend some time with his family − he hopes to take a sight-seeing trip or two with them − and then he has plans to open a small shop. After decades of working the farmland of the Swartland, it’s not going to be easy for Joey to change pace and relax into retirement.
Org de Rac is proud of its long-standing relationship with Joey and we wish him and his wife Elizabeth good health and happiness.
Valentine's choice
February is the month of love and Org de Rac staffers Charné Young, Madelein Hanekom and Candice Heugh say that the Org de Rac Le Piquet Rosé is a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day.
The Le Piquet Rosé is a vivacious, strawberry coloured blend of Merlot, Mourvedre and Grenache cultivars that is a perfect accompaniment for oysters and smoked salmon.
Spoil your loved one ... join us for an evening of romance. Click HERE for more information