Many of the key players in our history share a brave, inquiring and adventurous sense of possibility. Take founder Pieter de Vos, who planted the first vines here at the end of the 17th century. He started a tradition that continues to this day. He also chose the name Vergenoegd (well-satisfied or content)
There was also Johan George Lochner, who bought the farm in 1782. He had the foresight to host, for almost a year, (between 1786 and 1787), a Dutch Lutheran minister and artist, Jan Brandes. What makes Brandes interesting is that he painted and drew extensively, leaving behind important pictorial records. These have been an invaluable source of information for our architectural and gardening heritage teams. Today, works he created on the farm are now housed in Amsterdam's famous Rijksmuseum. Reproductions of some of these are displayed on the estate.
We can't forget the Faure family who farmed here over six generations for almost 200 years. It is they who recognised the land's potential for Cabernet Sauvignon, today our flagship varietal red. John Faure proved an excellent winemaker (like his father) but also had the excellent sense to start farming with and breeding Indian Runner ducks, from way back in 1984. He understood they could keep vineyard pests at bay, while fertilising the soil. He still manages the duck programme for us, breeding many prize-winners, and has even made ducks available to neighbouring farmers who want to farm regeneratively the way we do.
In 2015, John sold the farm to German entrepreneur, philanthropist, historian, heritage advocate and conservationist, Prof Dr Peter Löw. He is another great visionary, who has revitalised the estate with a consummate blend of optimism, sensitivity and creativity.
What he envisaged and has brought to life, is an intimate wine tourist destination in an authentic working farm setting, rich in natural beauty and scenery: a tranquil enclave that honours the past but that expresses its rich heritage in a contemporary way; and that through its wines, hospitality and way of life, expresses a taste of place with refinement and restraint.
As importantly, he has forged a new generation of team members he is keen to see advance in their skills and careers. And he is supporting them with extensive investment in research and technology to create new-generation vineyards, winemaking and hospitality, all the while working with nature to leave a legacy for those who follow.
