South African wine pioneer Graham Beck dies

After working 15 years in the mining industry, Beck bought a stud farm in Robertson in 1976 and took over the Madeba wine farm, also located near the Western Cape town Robertson, in 1983. From that point on, his career as a world-class winemaker started to develop. He gradually purchased 3 more farms in the southern Cape provinces of Franschoek and Stellenbosch. The vineyards of Madeba, with 189 hectares of vineyards, are located outside of Robertson, his wine farm in Franschoek totals 97 hectares, Skoongesig 36 hectares and Vredenhof 64 hectares.

Beck did not buy his wine farms on a random basis, but with care. Due to the different locations of his vineyards he was able to grow suitable grape varieties respectively, which has been the foundation of his popular wine qualities.

Due to his economic success, Beck was able to participate in different companies, always in mind to create jobs for minorities. Amongst others, he held a 50% stake in the Douglas Green Bellingham Winery, before it was sold in 2006. His last investment concerning wine was the purchase of the Steenberg Winery and Hotel in 2005.

Beck always stressed that his greatest achievement was to give employment to thousands of people, and that this has enabled them to improve their lives. Beck wine farms have also been integrated in public programs for social development.

After Beck’s death became known, his Facebook page has been flooded with messages of condolence: One read that “his death is a great loss for the wine industry,” and another comment stated: “South Africa misses your warmth, care and integrity”. (aw.yoopress)