Roberston, Western Cape’s beloved wine and roses valley, is home to one family’s story of love, perseverance, and passion for cultivation. What started as a seedling has flourished as an established vineyard, synonymous with premium winemaking. This is Van Loveren Wines, the family vineyards rooted in tradition and innovation.
Humble Beginnings: From Goudmyn to Van Loveren Wines
Today, Van Loveren Wines is internationally acclaimed, but the estate has humble beginnings. The original farm was called Goudmyn, Goldmine, in jest since the original owner paid a substantial fee for the land. The origional owner divided his farm called Goudmyn into nine portions, for each of his children. Hennie Retief purchased the portion called Goudmyn F and started making sweet wines and wines for brandy.
By 1939, Hennie married his sweetheart, Jean van Zyl and life was on the rise. That is, for everything except the name, Goldmine F. It didn’t sit well with Jean and had to go. Soon the couple changed the name to Van Loveren, in honour of Jean’s pioneering ancestor, Christina van Loveren who came to South Africa in 1699.
Growth of the Family Vineyards
The Retief family knew they wanted to create something special and committed to this endeavour from the start. Through vine and vein, winemaking is as much part of the land as it is of the whole family. Each generation brings a fresh perspective, whilst honouring tradition.
The second-generation Retiefs, Nico and Wynand joined the winery and soon produced noble cultivars. And by 1980, Van Loveren was among the first wine farms in Robertson to make wine under their own brand. Soon after, the family proudly bottled the first 500 cases of Premier Grand Cru.
This love for winemaking carried on to the third Retief generation, too. In the lively 90s, Nico’s sons, Bussell and Hennie; and Wynand’s sons, Phillip and Neil joined Van Loveren Wines. And by 2000 the new label, Four Cousins was introduced to the world. Today, the third generation drives the family vineyards to higher highs, cementing Van Loveren as one of the leading wine estates in South Africa, and the world.
Van Loveren’s Local Heart, Global Recognition
Van Loveren Wines may be firmly rooted in Robertson, but its vines’ success has spread worldwide as it exports to nearly 70 countries. With its unique terroir and exquisite winemaking, the family vineyards showcase what the best wine farms in South Africa have to offer. So much so that Van Loveren has received high praise from critics and top honours from the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards, Decanter World Wine Awards and the Tim Atkin Wine Awards, to name a few.
Pioneering Innovation & Eco Wine Farms
Through international acclaim and success, Van Loveren remains committed to local communities and embracing new, sustainable technology It’s the first wine farm in Robertson to pioneer the vine-by-pole trellising system to improve grape quality. As a WWF Conservation Champion, Van Loveren has also been at the forefront of green farming, which includes a 2500-hectare conservation initiative among others.
By adopting eco-friendly practices, Van Loveren has not only reduced its environmental footprint but has also enhanced the quality of its wines. In addition to streamlining farming, this Fairtrade-accredited estate also focuses on providing sustainable opportunities for the community. It’s a forward-thinking approach that has set a new standard in the industry, inspiring other wine estates to follow suit.
The Future of Van Loveren Wines
The horizon is bright, as Van Loveren embraces the future of viticulture while holding true to its founding principles; putting family and community first. Join our newsletter to see how the narrative of family, perseverance and innovation continues to unfold in extraordinary ways.
