We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jan Boland Coetzee (1945 – 2025), former Springbok flank and renowned winemaker, this morning (12 September 2025) after a short illness. He was 80 years old.
Statement from the Coetzee family
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jan Boland Coetzee. Our father died early this morning at his Stellenbosch home, after a brief illness. Although Jan’s health had been under pressure over the last few years, he demonstrated his characteristic determination right until the end.
Jan, a West Coast native, was a pioneer: as a rugby player for Maties, WP and the Springboks, but especially as a farmer and winemaker. First at Kanonkop in Stellenbosch, after which he moved to Vriesenhof, a farm we called home for many years. He was instrumental in establishing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties in South Africa. Jan was equally passionate about the work of the Landelike Stigting, which aims to better support agricultural workers.
In 2019, he was honoured by his alma mater, Stellenbosch University, with an honorary doctorate – causing endless banter between him and his friends.
He was a man of few words, but his unique outlook and unwavering nature made his disposition clear. Jan was always unpretentious, incredibly honest, and loved a good story and joking around. We will miss him – always in shorts, barefoot or with a pair of vellies and his trademark pulled-up long rugby socks.
We are grateful to everyone who was so good to him, especially over the last few weeks. His wide and diverse circle of friends is like family – lifelong friendships that lasted right until the end. Our most sincere thanks also go to the excellent, caring and professional team of doctors and carers who made sure he was comfortable day and night.
Service arrangements will be announced later.
- The Coetzee family
Tributes to Jan Boland Coetzee
"I enjoyed many beautiful moments (often barefoot) with Jan Boland Coetzee over the years. An absolute original. An intellectual, an eccentric. A legend. From his seaside cottage on the West Coast to him making our Vee and Forti Chardonnay over the last few years, it was always a pleasure." - Fortunato Mazzone
"Jan Boland embodied values we all hold dear: humility, perseverance, and respect. He served his community and his craft. I would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who experienced his kindness and inspiration – may you find solace in the memories of a great man." - Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby
"My hart is seer want my vriend, Jan Boland Coetzee, het vroegdag gesterf. Ek staan as getuie vir Jan se ruimhartigheid en sy lojaliteit. Rus sag Jan." - Dave Pepler
"I sat in a tasting with Jan, and what a knowledgeable man he was. Jan spoke passionately about Burgundy and his time spent in France. l recall a few years back we were invited to Vriesenhof for a braai in the heart of winter, it so happened to be raining, we stood around the braai chatting with our wellington boots and jackets, and there stood Jan telling us stories barefoot, shorts and a short-sleeved shirt... RIP. My sincere condolences to his family." - Colin Rinquest
"My eerste baas gewees met die ontwikkeling van Cordoba plaas in 1984. Ongelooflik baie by hom geleer. Dit was 'n vooreg om hom te kon ken. Plat op die grond en reguit. Innige simpatie aan sy familie en vriende. Rus in vrede Jan." - Lood Joubert
"Bad news indeed! I shall nurse some fabulous moments. He was a real gentleman and an exceptional memory on the weather, specially years like the 70/80/90th. South Africa has lost a legendary rugby player, a great winemaker and a friend to all of us!" - Germain Lehodey
"He was a true friend. He helped Welgemeend Wine Estate so much when it was a nothing, expecting nothing in return. He always had time for us. My eternal gratitude to this amazing man." - Thys Lourens
"Very sad to hear of the passing of Jan Boland, his great love was for Pinot Noir, he was the most generous and enthusiastic winemaker, sharing his knowledge and passion with me during my early days of growing and producing wines. Will always remember him. Thank you Jan." - Andrew Gunn, Iona
"'There has passed away a glory from this earth.' Complete love and respect to the finest of men. He never refused a request. He gave help, advice, friendship, wines even. Gave, gave and gave. His advice was: 'Never be afraid to make a decision. But be brave enough to take the full consequences of that decision.'" - Peter Bishop
"Ja Suid Afrika het n groot rugby legende verloor nie; net op rugby veld nie maar ook met sy plaas werkers. Hy was van eerste eienaars wat sy plaas werkers rugby laat speel het. Menigte kere het ek op die plaas rugby veld op Kanonkop loop speel, wat n voorreg. Gone but never forgotten. RIP JB Coetzee." - Mio Langenhoven
Should anyone wish to share their messages of condolences, please send them to editor@wine.co.za, and we will add to this tribute.