First black-owned wine cellar marks new chapter for SA wine industry

SOUTH Africa’s wine sector reached a significant milestone this week with the official opening of Klein Goederust Wine Cellar in Franschhoek — the country’s first Black-owned wine cellar.

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, joined industry leaders and local stakeholders to celebrate what he described as “a triumph for real transformation and inclusive growth in one of South Africa’s most iconic sectors.”

From neglected farm to thriving wine estate

Klein Goederust’s journey began in 2019 when entrepreneur Paul Siguqa acquired the rundown farm once worked by his mother. Over six years, Siguqa invested in rebuilding it into a boutique winery and tourism destination, supported by funding from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture through programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP).

Support covered vineyard establishment, equipment, and production inputs — all aimed at helping new entrants access markets and scale sustainably.

Meyer said the story reflects the long-term vision and perseverance of families who spent generations in farm labour. “This is the classic case of farm workers who gave their children a vision of the future. They did not only dream — they worked hard, invested their own resources, and partnered with industry to turn that vision into reality.”

A sector with major economic weight

South Africa’s wine industry contributes more than R56 billion to GDP and supports over 290,000 jobs. With 98% of the country’s wine cellars based in the Western Cape, the province has made agricultural development and market access central to its economic strategy.

Meyer said the opening of Klein Goederust aligns with the province’s Growth for Jobs (G4J) plan, which targets 4–6% economic growth by leveraging sectors such as agriculture and agri-processing. “Growing the economy and creating jobs are the Western Cape Government’s top priorities,” he said. “Klein Goederust will contribute to both.”

The business blends wine production with tourism and hospitality, tapping into Franschhoek’s strong visitor economy and creating new employment opportunities in the valley.

A symbol of transformation

Siguqa and winemaker Rodney Zimba — both children of farm workers — represent what Meyer calls “a breakthrough moment” for the industry’s transformation ambitions.

“Klein Goederust is a beacon of hope and excellence,” he said. “It shows that genuine transformation is not only necessary — it is achievable and sustainable.”

For Siguqa, the cellar’s opening marks more than a commercial achievement; it is a legacy project rooted in family history and a broader vision for inclusive growth in South Africa’s wine landscape.