About a Family
The Beaumont family story is one where fact, fable and fantasy merge - a story where wine, food and family are always at the centre of the narrative - a story in which a family filled with big-hearted and impassionate people, strive to capture the essence of happiness, be it in the cellar, in the kitchen or sitting on a farmhouse stoep. The story began when Jayne and Raoul Beaumont bought the farm, Compagnes Drift, in 1974 and set about replanting the vineyards. The run-down farm was transformed through hard work and an adventurous spirit. Raoul was a maverick of the vineyards and motorcycles and Jayne an artist, teacher and mother. Jayne pioneered the first wine, making small amounts of Pinotage bearing her hand-drawn label in the late 1970s. Today, Sebastian continues to honour both his parents’ endeavours and the incredible land of Compagnes Drift which he now farms with his family.
Chapter 1
Raoul & Jayne
Jayne & Raoul founded Beaumont Wines in 1974. Raoul was a free spirited, somewhat infamous and larger than life character. With a love for travelling, sailing, Spain and motorbikes, his many tales live on amongst the shales of Beaumont and in Raoul’s Range of wines.
They started their journey growing onions and fruit and eventually embarked upon the craft of making wine on the then Compagnes Drift Farm, since renamed Beaumont. The farm was completely transformed by hard work, a spirit for adventure and a proper dose of crazy. The decision to make wine under the family name was life-changing and represented an unconditional commitment to every bottle produced.
Since then, Jayne has cultivated vineyards, crafted wines and art and pursued bee farming. She continues to produce a limited amount of Pinot Noir with her own hand-drawn labels
Chapter 2
Sebastian & Nici
Sebastian is the oldest son and a second generation Beaumont – a man with a passion for wine, fishing and surfing. After studying viticulture and oenology he joined the family business in 1999 and honed his skills on the farm as viticulturist initially, working alongside Raoul. During this time he assisted with the wine making under the guidance of Niels Verburg and Jayne. Five years later, in 2004, he completed his first vintage, was in charge of the wine making and soon established a standing as a Chenin Blanc aficionado. After receiving four 5 star ratings for Hope Marguerite, he earned the nickname, “The Chenin Dude”.
Chapter 3
Sebastian, Nici & Jen
In 2020 Jennifer Pearson joined Nici & Sebastian in the Beaumont Wines business.
This union had been a long time coming. Having met in 1996 at Edinburgh University while completing a Business Degree, Nici and Jen went on to launch Zest in 2004, a revered food and catering company. Despite both being über busy and full time moms they are the force behind the Deli and superb luncheons served at Beaumont. Their zest for food brings an infectious energy and elegance to the farm.
Jen brings a wealth of sales and marketing expertise to the Beaumont Wine business. Sebastian can now focus on all things wine and farming, while Nici heads up all things finance and strategy. Despite their differing strengths and talents, the one common thread is their combined love for food, wine and hospitality. And so this dream team is ready to tackle the next chapter in the Beaumont Wine story.
Chapter 4
The Hands That Helped
Over the last 50 years there have been many hands to help us plant new vineyards and orchards, restore old buildings, make incredible wines, prepare delicious meals, and advise us on how to improve and move forwards.
Susi & Aart Weijburg are not only the parents of Nici Beaumont, but also life-long friends of Jayne and Raoul. With a wealth of business experience, Aart has been instrumental in bringing together the art of wine and business. Many hours have been spent fine tuning the delicate balance between the two.
Andy Selfe, our marvellous Miller, has been incredible in restoring our 250-year-old Vitruvian water mill. Dedicating countless weekends towards restoring the mill and demonstrating the running of it.
We feel very fortunate to have had so many special people involved in the farm over the past five decades, without them we would not be where we are today. Our every success hinges on this unique extended family.
