THE team behind Bein Merlot
Luca and Ingrid Bein
owners/winegrowers at Bein Wine Cellar
Originally
from Switzerland, with an old passion for wine and South Africa, we
bought in 1993 a piece of land in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands. Having worked for many years as veterinary practitioners back in
Switzerland, we decided for a career change, went back to University and
emerged 4 years later with a B.Sc. as oenologs and viticulturists.
Today, we focus whole-heartedly on the production of our quality Merlot
and do everything ourselves from planting to marketing.
Johannes
October
is part of the team since the beginning of Bein Wine and our
indispensable helpmate in vineyard and cellar.
He is married and has two boys, named Rinaldo and Diego after ...? No
wonder, his real passion is soccer!
He is treasurer of a local soccer team, and every free minute is spent
on the soccer field. He can't wait for the kickoff of the world
championship!
The Harvest team - 100 helping hands, when it's most
needed!
Since 5 years the same core team, complemented now and then by new
faces, a multicoloured bunch of wonderful people; sometimes difficult,
sometimes source of droll humour, sometimes insight into drama, and
often good for a surprise
Wanda
and Rolex (the watch dog),
our beloved companions, are in fact our most successful marketing
representatives in the team.
They twist every visitor around their little finger (toe?)! Considering
that you need a license in Switzerland for such dangerous dogs like
Wanda, the bullterrier...
Gloria and Poppy
our two donkeys, are responsible for producing manure and
moving the herbs in winter time.
Beside, they are possibly the most important ambassadors for the wines
of our area. On our popular donkey walks, they guide visitors through
the vineyards of the Polkadraai Hills, a wonderful experience for both
(visitors and donkeys!), showing them all their favourite herbs -
beside, they carry everything for the picnic and wine tasting on that
beautiful view point!
Find out more about the scenic donkey walks here...