The Klein Goederust wine tasting room and restaurant opened in Franschhoek, Western Cape today (December 3).

Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, welcomed the opening, highlighting that Klein Goederust was the first and only 100%-black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek.

The 116-year-old Klein Goederust farm was acquired solely from the savings of many years by Paul Siguqa, the son of a farm labourer.

“The opening of the wine tasting room and restaurant at Klein Goederust farm is testimony to government’s efforts of ensuring equitable access and participation of black people in the wine value chain and the wine industry,” said Didiza.

She added that it would contribute positively to the wine and tourism industry of Franschhoek and the Western Cape. The government assisted Siguqa, owner and CEO of the 10-hectare Klein Goederust farm, to procure a tractor and install an irrigation system.

He acquired the farm, which was in a dilapidated state, in 2019 and, over the last three years, focused on land and soil analysis, correction and planting of new vines with the help of government. He also renovated historic buildings on the farm.

“I want to change the narrative that children of farm labourers are condemned to a life of working on white-owned farms and can never really own part of this industry,” he said.

Owners of the neighbouring La Motte Wines have offered to assist and mentor Siguqa.