Ted Jordan was the third generation of shoemakers in the family, having taken over as Managing Director of Jordan Shoes in 1961. In 1982 Ted and Sheelagh purchased the original 74-hectare Stellenbosch property that makes up the core of Jordan Wine Estate and embarked on an extensive replanting programme, specialising in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes. Subsequent purchases of adjoining property have taken the total area of the Estate to 164 ha.
Seldom are farmers more hands-on than Ted and Sheelagh were. Ted was happiest developing a new vineyard or earthmoving with his bulldozer, and until his retirement, at the age of 78, he was completely involved in harvesting activities. Jordan Wine Estate would not have been the success it is today without their foresight, energy, and determination to succeed.