Jackson expands into South Africa

California-based Jackson Family Wines is expanding into South Africa with the purchase of a 20-acre vineyard in Stellenbosch.

Barabara Banke, chairman and owner of Jackson Family Wines

Jackson Family Wines is set to purchase the 121-acre Fijnbosch farm, which includes 20 acres of vines in the Banhoek Valley, as reported by Wine Spectator. 

South African viticulturist Rosa Kruger has helped develop the vineyard over the past 10 years while Graham Weerts, winemaker at Jackson’s Stonestreet Winery in Sonoma, has been in charge of winemaking. Both will continue to be part of the project.

Speaking to Wine Spectator, Kristen Reitzell, public relations manager for the company, said: “The Jackson family believes in investing in great vineyards around the world, and Barbara Banke has been looking at South Africa as a great investment opportunity. Through Rosa and Graham, she believes this is one of the top areas for Chardonnay. It gives Rosa and Graham a consistent source for the project and one where they’ll have complete control in the vineyard.”

The producer is planning to release 1,000 cases of a Chardonnay called Capensis made from the farm’s 2013 vintage.