Graham Beck Franschhoek sold

The Graham Beck Wines group has announced that it has consolidated its assets with the sale of its Franschhoek properties to the Anthonij Rupert Wines group. The transaction includes 452ha of land, including 72ha of vineyards, a cellar each for processing red and white wine, cellar door, administrative and storage facilities and La Garonne manor house.

General manager Gary Baumgarten admitted that the consolidation meant a change in name for the Franschhoek cellar. “It is now an Anthonij Rupert farm, and will be known as this from 1 July,” he said. He could not say how the transfer would impact on Graham Beck winemakers, as that was still being negotiated at the time. Graham Beck Wines’ Robertson cellar and vineyards and its Firgrove estates (located between Stellenbosch and Somerset West) will continue to operate as before and do not form part of the sale. As will Steenberg vineyards in Constantia.

Baumgarten said that the sale was driven by a need to be financially sustainable. Johann Rupert, owner of the Anthonij Rupert Wines group said, “The late Graham Beck was a friend of over 30 years. We had been neighbours for decades and he offered us the opportunity to acquire the land adjacent to L’Ormarins some time ago. As a farmer it is generally accepted that if, during your lifetime, the neighbouring farm becomes available, you are very fortunate.”