Jean Engelbrecht
Proprietor
The Engelbrecht family’s involvement in the wine industry started four generations ago, when the family settled on the West Coast of South Africa as grape growers. Jean’s true passion for wine began in 1977 when his family purchased the historic Rust en Vrede estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Jean brings a breadth of wine experiences and a determinedly international approach to his wineries. Having lived in California for two years, his palate is influenced by New World style wines. This has been a key factor in the success of the Ernie Els wines, as according to Wine Spectator “South Africa’s best wines are a combination of New World style with Old World elegance.”

Ernie Els
Proprietor
Ernie Els is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game. His travels around the world as a young golfer provided Ernie the chance to develop his discerning palate and love of fine wine. In time, Ernie's long friendship with celebrated South African vintner Jean Engelbrecht would lead to a partnership, which has produced a portfolio of award-winning wines.

For this great champion, the chief lure of making wine remains its ability to join together friends, family, food and good times.