Blaauwklippen leadership team: Roelof van den Berg (center), Craig Bester (furthest left), Jaco Minnie (second from righ), Daniel Vosloo (furthest right), and Charles Raath (second left).
Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, stands as a symbol of continuity and reinvention in the Stellenbosch Winelands. Established in 1682, this historic estate has shaped the evolution of South African winemaking for more than three centuries. Even as the oldest company in the country it stands today and with it a dynamic leadership team is guiding Blaauwklippen into a bold new chapter and honoring its legacy while reimagining its future.
A living heritage in the heart of Stellenbosch
Blaauwklippen’s story begins with deep roots in the land. From the first vines planted in the 1600s to its pioneering work with Zinfandel, the estate’s journey mirrors the broader story of Cape heritage wine. The original manor house and granite-rich soils still form the foundation of the farm’s character but the people behind the estate have made it what it is today: a vibrant, forward-looking destination that blends history with innovation.
Blaauwklippen’s wines, experiences, and architecture all pay homage to the estate’s layered past. But it’s the people—their craft, care, and creativity who ensure that Blaauwklippen remains relevant and respected across generations.
The leadership shaping Blaauwklippen Today
Behind the estate’s renewed vision is a dedicated executive team committed to blending heritage with modern excellence:
Roelof van den Berg – Chief executive officer
Guiding vision, grounded in heritage
As CEO, Roelof van den Berg leads Blaauwklippen with clarity of purpose: to protect the estate’s 17th-century roots while steering it toward global recognition as a modern luxury wine brand. With years of executive experience in the Cape Winelands’ hospitality and agricultural sector, Roelof understands that longevity is earned through innovation, stewardship, and community. Under his leadership, Blaauwklippen has strengthened its operational foundations, re-energised its teams, and re-established its place among the top Stellenbosch wine destinations. Roelof’s strategic oversight ensures that every decision — from vineyard development to guest experience — is guided by a balance of progress and respect for the estate’s enduring soul.
Craig Bester – Chief brand executive
Storytelling meets brand and strategy
As Chief Brand Executive, Craig Bester is the creative and commercial pulse behind Blaauwklippen’s modern resurgence. With a background in hospitality, sales, brand building, and strategic marketing, Craig brings a contemporary edge to one of South Africa’s oldest names in wine. He has redefined Blaauwklippen’s identity around the idea of heritage meeting modern excellence, shaping a brand that honours its past while speaking the visual and emotional language of today’s consumer. From digital storytelling to experiential wine events, Craig’s vision has positioned Blaauwklippen as a destination that embodies both authenticity and aspiration.His leadership unites teams across design, marketing, hospitality and sales and ensuring every bottle, campaign, and visitor experience reflects Blaauwklippen’s promise: rooted in history, alive in the present, and built for the future of South African winemaking and more.
Jaco Minnie – Chief commercial officer
The Architect of growth, partnerships, and people
At Blaauwklippen, commercial strength lies in far more than wine, it’s about the integration of property, hospitality, food, events, and people into one cohesive vision. Jaco Minnie, Blaauwklippen’s Chief Commercial Officer, plays a pivotal role in shaping that ecosystem. With extensive experience in property, commercial and a role in HR management, and strategic negotiation, Jaco ensures that every business unit, from vineyards and restaurants to retail spaces and estate infrastructure that operates in alignment with Blaauwklippen’s long-term growth plan. His oversight connects the commercial heartbeat of the estate with its human capital and physical environment. A skilled negotiator and relationship builder, Jaco oversees contract structuring, partner agreements, and development projects, ensuring that each collaboration enhances both brand and profitability. His ability to balance operational precision with human insight has made him a cornerstone in Blaauwklippen’s transformation and ensuring that every investment, lease, and staffing decision contributes to a sustainable and proudly South African legacy.
Daniel Vosloo – Chief financial officer
Building sustainable prosperity
Every heritage brand needs a financial custodian and someone who can turn legacy into longevity. Daniel Vosloo, Blaauwklippen’s Chief Financial Officer, provides that foundation. With a proven background in finance and corporate governance, Daniel has been instrumental in restructuring the estate’s fiscal strategy to support sustainable growth. His precision ensures that Blaauwklippen invests wisely from vineyard replanting and cellar innovation to estate restoration and guest experience.Daniel’s focus on accountability and transparency reflects the values that have defined Blaauwklippen since 1682. His steady hand guarantees that this historic Stellenbosch wine estate not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
Charles Raath – Chief operations officer
From soil to experience
Charles Raath, Blaauwklippen’s Chief Operations Officer, is the bridge between tradition and modern delivery. Overseeing the vineyards, production, hospitality, and all estate operations, he ensures that every aspect of the Blaauwklippen experience from soil to glass upholds the estate’s promise of excellence. Charles brings a unique blend of agricultural expertise and operational management, enabling the estate to maintain its high standards while evolving sustainably. His leadership touches every visitor’s experience, whether it’s a glass of wine poured in the tasting room, a weekend market visit, or an exclusive estate event. His philosophy is simple: operational excellence must tell the same story as the wine itself as one of passion, precision, and purpose.
Crafting a contemporary legacy
While Blaauwklippen’s roots are historic, its outlook is modern. The estate continues to expand its wine portfolio, hospitality offerings, and tourism experiences, welcoming a new generation of visitors to discover Stellenbosch through the lens of tradition and innovation.
Every element, from the vineyard to the glass, reflects an enduring commitment to quality and authenticity. Visitors experience not just fine wine but the living heritage of South African craftsmanship brought to life by the people who nurture it every day.
A South African story still being written
Blaauwklippen’s enduring strength lies in its people, the custodians of its legacy and the architects of its future. Their collective vision is reshaping one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine estates into a symbol of timeless elegance and national pride.
From heritage to hospitality, from vineyard to visitor, Blaauwklippen continues to tell a South African story that’s far from over rooted in history, alive in the present, and crafted for generations to come.