Weltevrede Estate
Robertson, South Africa
Just outside Bonnievale, in the picturesque Robertson Valley, lies Weltevrede, meaning “well satisfied” – the Jonker Family Wine Estate whose proud heritage stretches back over many years, and where, since 1912, the art of winemaking has been passed from generation to generation. Today, this legacy is reflected in specialized ranges of wines enjoyed by connoisseurs at home and abroad.
Wine has been an integral part of the Jonker family tradition for four generations. It began when Klaas Jonker purchased the farm in 1912 and planted the first vineyards in the area. He was followed by Japie Jonker, who in 1933 began wine farming on Weltevrede. Today, the tradition is carried on by current owner Lourens Jonker and his son Philip.
The Weltevrede vineyards are mainly made up of limestone, shale and river rock soils and the Oupa se Wyn vineyard, planted in 1926, is the only vineyard declared a National Monument in South Africa.
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Philip Jonker
Philip Jonker began making wine at Weltevrede in the beginning of 1997 after finishing his B.Sc. Agric degree at the University of Stellenbosch, majoring in Viticulture and Oenology. He and his wife, Lindelize, spent most of 1997 abroad, studying and working during the harvest season at Clos du Val Winery in the Napa Valley, California, as well as Chateau la Domenique, St Emilion, Bordeaux.
Philip Jonker is a Chardonnay specialist and chairman of the Chardonnay Forum of South Africa. His Chardonnays have seen awards from Chardonnay du Monde, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, International Wine Challenge, International Wine and Spirit Challenge and several national shows.
Philip was recently awarded Woolworths Winemaker of the Year at a function in Stellenbosch. Philip is known for his terroir focused wines, with a speciality in Chardonnay, Cap Classique and Shiraz. His Chardonnays have received
numerous national and international awards, such as gold at the Chardonnay du Monde (Burgundy), 90+ in the International Wine Magazine
(UK) and double golds at the Veritas Awards.
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