HISTORY

THE ESTATE TODAY

The farm house and an intimate tasting centre are situated in the beautiful valley from which the little town Bonnievale takes its name. Both were recreated in the traditional style. The wine-tasting centre was designed by Derek Van Zyl and the newly built centre resembles a century-old renovated barn with Cape Dutch features such as open beams and rustic finishes.

ABOUT GOEDVERWACHT ESTATE

In the 1960's, Gabriël Hendrik du Toit, a civil engineer, followed his dream of becoming a wine farmer by buying two neighbouring farms, totalling 70 ha, in the beautiful Breede River Valley, between Robertson and Bonnievale. He added a third property to start a dairy farm and called it Soek Die Geluk, since he firmly believed that he would find happiness in this enterprise. Today Soek die Geluk is a well-known export label to the Netherlands.

Between 1989 and 2003, Jan du Toit, the current owner, added three more farms to the original properties and at present the two farms cover a total of 220 ha. Of this, 180 ha is under irrigation.

THE OWNER

Jan du Toit was born in April 1961 and grew up at Goedverwacht. He matriculated at Bonnievale High School in 1979 after which he completed two years of National service. During 1982 – 83 he studied Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College and in 1984 had his maiden vintage at Goedverwacht. His father, Gabriël Hendrik passed away in 1987, with the result that Jan was never able to winemaking elsewhere, either locally or abroad.

In 1988 he married Marian and they have three children, Gawie, Marisa and Robert. Jan is the sole owner of Goedverwacht Wine Estate consisting of 110 ha vineyards and 70 ha grazing for his dairy, the latter producing fresh milk for the Western Cape.
Jan’s favourites are:
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc and Red Bordeaux blends
Food: Venison and Seafood
Places: National Game Parks and his wine estate
Pastimes: Hunting, experiencing wild life in Africa, spending time with his family
Strong points: Punctuality and tidiness
Weaknesses: Over-eagerness, bad temper
His greatest wish: To create the best opportunities for his children.
Philosophy: No guts, no glory
Favours people who are honest and sincere
Dislikes people who put on airs or who pretend to be experts
He would like to meet former president Nelson Mandela.