Graham Beck Wines

The sad passing of our founder, Graham Beck (age 80), on 27 July 2010 heralded the end of an extraordinary era for one of South Africa’s best loved wine producing families. In his role as patriarch and mentor Mr Beck’s unswerving work ethic, compassionate nature and infectious zest for life uplifted and inspired all those who knew him. As an entrepreneur, pioneer and philanthropist, his legacy lives on. It is with a renewed sense of commitment and energy that we enter the next exhilarating phase in the evolution of Graham Beck Wines, guided, encouraged and invigorated by the memory of our remarkable helmsman. Join us on our journey towards excellence…

The foundations for our success were laid in 1983 when Graham Beck purchased Madeba, a farm located outside the Western Cape town of Robertson. It was his ardent ambition to establish a world-class winery in this area that saw the erection of a state-of-the-art cellar and groundbreaking tasting facility – ensuring the growing reputation of Graham Beck Wines as a leading international wine destination. The success of the Robertson estate prompted the acquisition of a second property in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley, one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated wine growing regions. At both of these cellars, the cornerstones of the Beck family ethos were entrenched from the very start – contributing to the passion and dedication that continues to drive the entire team today.

Born in Cape Town, Graham Beck demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills whilst studying commerce at the University of Cape Town. During this time he established a successful home renovation business called Kangra – still the name of our holding company today. Graham then ventured into the coal mining business, where he achieved numerous successes. His reputation as a pioneer in the wine industry was preceded by the role he played in the South African economy by spearheading the centralised transportation and export of coal through Richards Bay on the north coast of Kwazulu-Natal.

Graham’s love of horses and racing led to a number of successful stud operations throughout the world. As a result of his global business interests he and his wife, Rhona, divided their time between their homes in South Africa, Britain and America. The Beck family, however, remains deeply committed to their African roots and continue to generously invest their time, energy and funds in the future success and growth of South Africa. Through their example social development and community upliftment remain core values of the brand.

In 2009 Graham and Rhona opened the Graham and Rhona Beck Skills Centre near Madeba in Robertson. Part of an extensive and innovative social development program, the centre aims to facilitate skills development for the long term upliftment of the farming community in the Breede River Valley.

Although a keen golfer in his spare time, Graham imparted his considerable energy and business acumen in developing the significant potential of Graham Beck Wines. Rhona’s love of gardening and her green fingered skills – especially with roses – are evident around our wine cellars at both Robertson and Franschhoek. The family’s sincere love of art is another enduring theme with numerous striking pieces providing endless joy to those who visit our estates. A reverence for our precious indigenous fauna and flora saw the establishment of the Graham Beck Wines Private Nature Reserve on the family’s Robertson farm. This pioneering project has inspired similar conservation efforts in the surrounding farming community.

In all that they do and believe, the Becks display integrity, warmth and leadership – consistently motivating and mobilizing us to do nothing less than our best. It is this considerable attention to the finest details which is expressed in the quality of our wines as well as the spirit of our team and unwavering sense of family here at Graham Beck Wines.