The wine cellar on the Franschhoek boutique estate Klein Goederust officially opened in December 2025. Owner Paul Siguqa answers our questions about the journey to this milestone and what comes next.
By Lucille Botha
Your mother, Nomaroma, worked on a wine farm, Backsberg, where you grew up. After your studies you worked in print media, including at City Press. What drew you back to the wine industry?
The irony is that my mother made a promise that she would be the last person in our family to work on a farm. She hated the idea of labour stretching across generations – the concept that if you are the child of a farm worker, that will be the only job you can ever do. Her goal was to get us children off the farm.
As a young man trying to earn money for university, I worked in Backsberg’s cellar, and it exposed me to the other side of the wine industry. We knew about the influence of the dop system and what it did to communities, but in the cellar I was exposed to the scientific and romantic side of the industry. From the moment I started working, I began saving to buy my own farm and return to the industry I had fallen in love with.
Also read: Historic milestone: First black-owned wine cellar opens in South Africa
What does it mean to you to be the first black owner of a wine farm and cellar in South Africa?
It is very exciting, but also frightening, because we have to make a success of it.
Klein Goederust farm had been badly neglected. Why did you still decide to buy it?
The farm had been on the market for eight years and no one wanted to buy it. The vineyards were in poor condition and the buildings were run down, but we saw the potential. Land in the Franschhoek Valley is also very expensive, and this was the only property we could afford as first-generation landowners.
How did you finance the land and the turnaround?
I put all my savings into this business, which is why it has to work. We simply do not have room for failure.
Was there no government support?
At first we were turned away everywhere, which I could understand because it is difficult to convince people to invest in a neglected farm like this one. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture did assist us in 2021 and 2022 with a tractor and an irrigation system, and became a partner in our development.
I do not complain, because many farms fail when there is only government support and the owners do not invest their own capital.
Did industry partners, such as neighbours or advisers, help you?
Our neighbours, Hein Koegelenberg and Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg of La Motte, were very supportive and became my mentors. They taught us everything, from the basics, such as where to buy products or who provides the best service, to advice on bigger challenges. That is why I believe strongly in the importance of mentors for emerging farmers.
What is your winemaking philosophy, and what distinguishes Klein Goederust’s wines from others?
Authenticity and respect for nature. I believe in minimal intervention in the vineyards. From the start we also knew we wanted to produce only premium and top-class wines.
Our flagship wine is the Nomaroma Brut Cap Classique, which we make from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards we planted ourselves.
How do you market your wine?
Initially we struggled with market access, so we decided to sell our wine directly from the farm. About 80% of our wine is now sold here. We also started exporting to the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States – before the recent tariffs were introduced.
How important is tourism for Klein Goederust?
Very important. We did not want to offer international cuisine in our restaurant, so every Saturday and Sunday we host a large buffet in our garden, where we serve spit-braaied lamb, braaied chicken, sweet-potato rolls and roosterkoek, and even curried fish. It is extremely popular, especially with overseas visitors.
How many jobs have you created on the farm?
We started with five employees, but now we employ 30 people. We believe in creating employment opportunities, but my real passion is investing in education. My mother believed that this is how you break the cycle of labour being passed down through generations.
We especially support early childhood development initiatives and sport in our community. People who work for us are first considered for promotion. We also like to create opportunities for small local businesses.
Where do you see Klein Goederust in 10 years?
I believe it will be one of the top five wine estates and destinations in South Africa. We will remain true to ourselves, and the quality of our products and service will take us to the top.
Also read:
A farmer’s financial playbook: Wine farm owner, Berene Sauls
Cultivating talent in wine industry
Women’s Month is here: New wine range uncorked by women
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