WeeklySA_AdminPIONEER: After nearly four decades shaping South Africa’s Cap Classique category, founding winemaker Pieter Ferreira hands cellar leadership to Pierre de Klerk — ushering in a new chapter rooted in continuity and craft…
By Len Maseko
A defining chapter in South African sparkling wine draws to a close as founding winemaker and Cap Classique pioneer Pieter “Bubbles” Ferreira formally retires from Graham Beck, passing stewardship of the cellar to long-time cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk.
The transition marks a generational shift for the Robertson-based estate, long recognised as one of the country’s most influential producers of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. More than a leadership change, it represents an evolution built on continuity, shared philosophy and an enduring commitment to precision winemaking.
Over nearly four decades, Ferreira played a central role not only in shaping the identity of Graham Beck, but also in elevating the Cap Classique category globally. Under his watch, the House grew from an ambitious South African producer into an internationally distributed brand available in more than 50 countries and widely respected among the world’s finest bottle-fermented sparkling wines.
Ferreira’s influence extended beyond the cellar. Known for his tireless global ambassadorship and mentorship of young winemakers, he became one of the most recognisable and respected voices in the Cap Classique movement. His work helped reposition South Africa as a serious contender in premium sparkling wine production.
“Pieter’s legacy is not defined by a single wine or moment,” said Helen Kock, CEO of Beck Family Estates. “It lives in the culture he helped build — a culture of patience, precision and belief.”
Continuity of Craft
Taking full responsibility for the cellar is Pierre de Klerk, who has worked alongside Ferreira for more than 15 years. Supported by winemaker Lizemari Geldenhuys, De Klerk steps into the role with a steady hand and a clear mandate: preserve the House’s stylistic identity while continuing its pursuit of excellence.
“I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside Pieter for over 15 years,” said De Klerk. “What he instilled in all of us is respect for the vineyard, the process and for time. That philosophy continues to guide how we work every day.”
The estate emphasises that its long-term direction remains unchanged. Its limestone-rich Robertson terroir, disciplined viticulture and patient bottle maturation remain central to its identity.
The Road Ahead
Earlier this month, Ferreira was honoured at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event at Groot Constantia, where he received the prestigious Wine Advancement Award for his contribution to South African wine. The accolade recognised his role in elevating the global standing of Cap Classique and strengthening the country’s sparkling wine reputation.
Though stepping away from his role at Graham Beck, Ferreira is not leaving the world of bubbly entirely but will still continue his involvement in the category. He now turns his focus to his own label, Pieter Ferreira Cap Classique, alongside other personal ventures — a continuation of a career defined by curiosity and craftsmanship.
Built on Heritage
Founded in 1983, Graham Beck has become synonymous with premium Cap Classique production. The family-owned estate’s sparkling wines have featured at historic global celebrations, including Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and Barack Obama’s presidential victory.
Now under the stewardship of Pierre de Klerk, the House enters a new chapter — rooted in four decades of heritage, strengthened by continuity, and inspired by the same pursuit that has long defined it: the search for the perfect bubble.
For South African wine, it is both an ending and a beginning. And, for De Klerk, it is the beginning of a long journey as he steps into shoes of a giant, seeks to steer the winery through a seamless transition, while seizing upon the call to put his own indelible stamp on the brand.
EVENTS
Durbanville Hills’ Harvest Showcase
Wine lovers are being invited to step beyond the tasting room and into the cellar as Durbanville Hills launches its immersive 2026 harvest experience.
From February 18 to March 14 2026, on selected Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the award-winning Cape winery will open its cellar doors for an intimate, hands-on programme designed to showcase harvest in motion.
Guests are led through the heart of the cellar, where cool-climate grapes sourced from the Durbanville region are undergoing transformation. The experience includes a rare opportunity to taste freshly pressed must — sweet, vibrant grape juice in the earliest stage of becoming wine — offering insight into a critical phase that most consumers never encounter.
At blending tables prepared with a selection of red wine components, participants craft their own signature blend under the guidance of the winemaking team.
The experience concludes at The Tangram, the estate’s signature restaurant, where guests are served a two-course menu paired with selected wines. The culinary component brings the immersive cellar experience full circle — from grape to glass to plate.
Priced at R550 per person, the event aims to offer more than a standard wine tasting. It is positioned as an opportunity to slow down, engage with the craft behind the label and connect with the rhythm of harvest in a working cellar environment. Bookings: Via Webtickets
Wellington hosts Lux Fire
A blend of Western-inspired luxury, live music and social purpose comes to Wellington in the Cape winelands on February 28, when The Wake-Up Call takes over Dunstone Country Estate for an evening designed to entertain — and to give back.
Created by social media power duo Kiki La Coco and Malcolm Wentzel, The Wake-Up Call promises a “Western luxe with a conscience” experience, combining country music under the stars, flame-grilled food, exceptional wines, fashion, art and thought-provoking conversations.
Guests will move through curated spaces across the estate, beginning with welcome drinks and fire-grilled bites at the manor house, followed by a fashion show, live performances and keynote moments. Guest speakers include NLP coach Michelle Israel, reality TV personality Anita Lloyd, and country singer John Casey.
A highlight of the evening is a charity art auction featuring works by leading artists, with all funds raised going towards improving conditions at Pioneer House, an elderly care home in Vanderbijlpark.
The event starts at 16:00 and ends at 22:00. Tickets cost R1 200 per person. Bookings via itickets.co.za.
Durbanville Valley Lights Up
Durbanville Wine Valley is to host its much-anticipated “Tasting Under the Stars” on March 12.
As vineyards hum with the energy of harvest and cellars fill with the scent of fermenting grapes, participating wineries across the valley will extend their trading hours to around 21:00, hosting individual experiences that celebrate the season’s abundance.
Located 20 minutes from Cape Town, Durbanville’s cool-climate vineyards are at their most atmospheric in March. Long golden evenings and the promise of autumn create the perfect backdrop for upcoming events featuring wine, food and music.
Rather than a single central festival, Tasting Under the Stars sees each participating cellar curate its own harvest-inspired event, as part of several events taking place marking the end of harvest in the region.
Bookings must be made directly with each participating winery. Full details of all experiences are available on the Durbanville Wine Valley’s website, www.durbanvillewine.co.za where guests can easily browse the programme and access booking links for each event.
BROOKDALE SUNSET DINING
Brookdale Estate is turning February and March into a celebration of flavour, romance and vineyard living, as the Paarl Winelands destination rolls out a packed calendar of culinary milestones, wine highlights and golden-hour dining experiences.
The month’s festivities began on February 1, when the Bistro marked its third birthday. They will end on March 26. The anniversary follows a strong run of accolades, including recognition as a Top 10 Destination Restaurant in the Cape and a place among South Africa’s Top 20 Restaurants for 2025 by Dineplan.
Chef Gary Coetzee, who has shaped The Bistro’s contemporary seasonal offering, invites diners to raise a glass to the journey so far — one defined by refined comfort cuisine, relaxed elegance and a strong sense of place.
The Bistro will serve its à la carte summer menu for both lunch and dinner, accompanied by a complimentary glass of Mason Road Serendipity rosé. Dinner guests will also be treated to live music by Leigh Hondy.
Visitors to the Tasting Room, open Tuesdays to Sundays, will have the opportunity to explore the 2024 Mason Road Syrah — recently awarded four stars in the 2025 Plattter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide, a notable achievement for the estate’s winemaking team.
Adding to the seasonal appeal, Brookdale’s popular Sunset Dinner Series continues throughout February, running evry Wednesday and Thursday evening until 26 March. With sittings at 17:30 and 19:30.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
