The Van Loveren Winery situated between Robertson and Bonnievale recently purchased a wine farm as part of their Black Economic Empowerment program, reports Bonita Malherbe from the Robertson Wine Valley office. The farm of 138 hectares was acquired at a cost of R 4.9 million, which includes implements. The farm has established vineyards and apricot and peach orchards. Initially the Van Loveren labourers will have a 40 % interest in the property which can be increased to 50 % in years to come, says Malherbe. Their share is to be owned and managed by a trust which will be run by the workers themselves. A Workers’ Committee and Trustees have already been appointed and are eagerly awaiting the take over on 1 May 2005. Concludes Malberbe: 'The Retiefs of Van Loveren are very positive about the whole process and are looking forward to the challenge of creating a mutually beneficial partnership that could inspire others in the wine industry to do the same.'