Rozanne Nel, Jeanne Nel, Carel Nel, and Margaux Nel
The excellence of Boplaas Family Vineyards shines again thanks to the cellar being centre stage at the unveiling of this year’s South Africa Special Report, compiled annually by renowned wine critic Tim Atkin MW. At its heart, much of the success of this multi-generational Calitzdorp enterprise rests with women.
“For generations, the success of Boplaas has rested on the shoulders of remarkable women – from those who nurtured our vines and families to those who drive innovation in our cellar today,” says Boplaas cellarmaster Carel Nel. “As South Africa honoured the immense contribution of women last month, we proudly celebrate the vital role they continue to play in shaping not only our farm, but also the heritage and future of our country’s wine.”
Numerous women are part of the Boplaas story. Rolien Nel, Carel's mother, worked tirelessly in the fruit factory where the well-known Boplaas fruit snacks were made. In her later years, she loved sitting on her veranda, enjoying her favourite wine, a Sauvignon blanc.
On her 90th birthday, Boplaas named their Sauvignon blanc in her honour, calling it the Stoepsit Sauvignon Blanc. Rolien lived to the remarkable age of 96.
“Right until the end, she enjoyed a glass of Sauvignon blanc with family and friends,” says Carel.
Another personality in which the contemporary Boplaas is grounded is that of Jeanne Nel, Carel's wife, who runs the administrative side of Boplaas. “Everyone knows her as the ‘glue’ that keeps the family together,” Carel says.
She once worked alongside her mother-in-law, Rolien, in the fruit factory.
Carel and Jeanne’s daughters, Rozanne and Margaux, have both been involved in the family business for more than 20 years.
Rozanne, the eldest, is the marketing manager and constantly on the road visiting existing and new clients. When she isn't traveling, she may be found at one of Boplaas's three tasting rooms - George (Redberry Farm), Hartenbos, or Calitzdorp.
“Rozanne always says she’ll sell anything her sister Margaux can make!”
Margaux Nel, Boplaas’s sixth-generation winemaker, has been making wine at Boplaas for 18 years. Her portfolio ranges from Portuguese white cultivars such as Alvarinho and Verdelho, to reds like Touriga Nacional, and of course the world-renowned Cape ports that Boplaas is famous for.
In this endeavour, she has taken over the rich heritage that Carel has forged. Margaux's favourite wine is Touriga Nacional – the cultivar that was the focus of her MSc in Viticulture. Margaux also holds an MBA from Stellenbosch Business School. As a result of her passion for Portuguese wines, she serves as the chairperson of the Cape Port Producers Association and recently hosted a tasting that compared South African Portuguese varietals directly with Portuguese examples.
The exercise once again proved that South Africa's wines can hold their own on the world stage.
Furthermore, Margaux is also a regular guest lecturer at Stellenbosch University on the topic of fortified wines.
For more information on the history of Boplaas and its offerings, visit boplaas.co.za. Taste its success by ordering its wines from the online shop.