This Women's Month, we're celebrating the women who don't always get the limelight, but who make Glenelly Estate what it is every single day. We asked them for their favourite wine, a fact most of us don't know, and a little of what makes them who they are. Here's what they shared.
Corné Nieuwenhuizen, warehouse and logistics manager
Something you might not know
I don't eat onions. I dislike them so much I call them "devil's fruit." As a child I used to hide the bag so my mom couldn't find it, and always ended up in big trouble when she found rotten onions stashed away in corners.
A little more about Corné
I love sleeping in the mountains under the stars, without a tent. I'm happiest with a five-day backpack on my shoulders, somewhere far away from civilisation, knowing that everything I need to survive is on my back.
Favourite wine
My love for Cabernet Franc began shortly after I moved to Cape Town. At the time I was managing a guest house and became friends with a wine representative who regularly visited us. One day she called to say she was ill and had been invited to an exclusive wine event where she'd be seated at the same table as Bruwer Raats, and she asked whether I'd like to go in her place and bring a friend along. That evening changed everything. It was there that I tasted my very first glass of Cabernet Franc and fell completely in love with wine, the passion and the story behind every bottle. Ever since, I've always appreciated a quality Cabernet Franc – not only for its character and elegance, but because it reminds me of the moment my passion for wine truly began. My favourite is thus the Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Franc.
Anja Bredenkamp, HR and administration coordinator
Something you might not know
This might surprise a few people, especially working at a wine estate... but I'm actually more of a beer drinker than a wine drinker!
A little more about Anja
Outside of work you'll usually find me out in nature, out on a run, or spending time with my husband and our two dogs – my wise old girl Bella, a Husky, and my gentle giant Hendrik, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. I love challenging myself, whether it's training for HYROX competitions, chasing a new personal best, or learning something new. If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be Norway, to experience the fjords and, hopefully, see the Northern Lights.
Favourite wine
The wine at the very top of my list is the Glenelly Lady May. It's elegant, beautifully balanced, and always feels like a wine worth slowing down and appreciating.
For me, it's the perfect choice for celebrating a special occasion and reminiscing about the memories we've shared with Madame.
Vernecia Jumat, senior administration coordinator
Something you might not know
I'm usually the person everyone comes to when they need help finding information or getting things organised – I enjoy bringing order to the chaos. A hidden talent of mine is singing; whether it's at church, in the car, or just around the house, music has a way of lifting my spirit and bringing me joy.
A little more about Vernecia
Family and faith are my foundation. I try to live each day with kindness, compassion and gratitude, and hope to be remembered for the way I made people feel, not just the work I did. I dream of travelling and experiencing new cultures – until then, I appreciate the little things: a beautiful sunrise, good coffee, and time with the people I love.
Favourite wine
The Glenelly Estate Reserve Red is a firm favourite for me!
It represents patience, strength, and the beauty of things carefully nurtured over time. It reminds me that some of life's greatest rewards don't happen overnight – they come through perseverance, faith, and trusting the process.
Sharing a bottle with loved ones always makes the moment feel a little more special.
Talita Louw, office and accounts manager
Something you might not know
I'm a bit of a glass snob – Madame taught me early on that good wine should always be enjoyed in the proper glassware, and I clearly took that lesson very seriously. And here's a little secret: I cannot swim!
A little more about Talita
I've been privileged to live on Glenelly Estate for 23 years. I've raised my family here, call Glenelly home, and had the honour of being part of Madame's dream of having a new "baby" at the age of 78 – witnessing it develop and grow firsthand. Being part of that journey has made Glenelly much more than a workplace for me; it's part of my and my family's life.
Favourite wine
Lady May is particularly special to me, as it represents Madame May de Lencquesaing and is made in her honour.
It's a wine I'd normally save for a special occasion, and it never disappoints in making every occasion feel even more memorable.
(I also have a soft spot for the Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon!)
Rosemary Flandorph, Glenelly Care Centre
Something you might not know
At 57, I completed a six-month online course through Stellenbosch University, partly for my own growth, partly to support my son during Matric. We both passed. It's never too late to take on a new challenge. I keep a portable radio nearby, at home and in the office. I love the documentaries, the music, and relaxing while I learn something new.
A little more about Rosemary
I'm a Christian, and passionate about nature. I love capturing beautiful moments outdoors. I enjoy taking those close to me to botanical gardens, parks and peaceful places, where you can slow down and appreciate the beauty around you.
Favourite wine
My favourite wine is the Glenelly Lady May. I enjoy saving it for special occasions, good company and memorable moments. I appreciate its elegance and depth.
Lomay Julius, wine ambassador
Something you might not know
I'm a wine lover at heart, but one of my favourite things is being outdoors, surrounded by beautiful places. I'm happiest when I can combine good wine, good food and good company. I also have an adventurous side that people don't always see!
A little more about Lomay
Working at Glenelly has taught me that wine is about so much more than what's in the glass. It is about the people, the stories, the land and the memories we create around it. I feel lucky to be part of a place where I get to share those stories with people every day.
Words I live by: "There is strength in being soft, beauty in being yourself, and magic in the little moments."
Favourite wine
I love Lady May because it’s elegant, complex and beautifully balanced, but what makes it even more special to me is that it represents so much of what I love about Glenelly. It’s a wine with character and a story, and like many women, it becomes even more interesting the more you get to know it.