A Tribute to André Bruwer - the Winemaker

A celebration of the 'coming of age' of Bon Courage

André Stephanus Bruwer, owner and winemaker of Bon Courage Wine Estate.

Born on 30th June 1942 in Robertson on the farm Goedemoed as the third son of Willie Bruwer (who was also born and bred in Robertson !).

André matriculated at Robertson High School in 1959 (he is actually the only pupil of his past matric class that is still living in Robertson !) and studied at Elsenburg Agricultural College at Stellenbosch ending up being their Dux student in 1962!

In 1965 he settled on the farm - introduced drip irrigation; modernized the cellar and purchased a neighbouring farm. In 1983 the farm became a wine estate (translating the Afrikaans into the French “Bon Courage”) and André started marketing a small selection of his wines - receiving his first ‘Superior” award - one in many to follow ! From the start André‘s target was for supreme quality wines and every year that followed, he was rewarded accordingly! In 1984, 1985 and 1986 he was South African Champion Estate Winemaker of the Year,putting Robertson Valley truly on the ‘wine’ map!!

André was the first winemaker this side of the Breede River Valley to receive the prestiguous Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award in 1990! André was also a pioneer in our valley in the following: night harvesting; importing a mechanical harvester; building an underground cellar and making a sparkling wine according to the French tradition!

The many awards Bon Courage has won since 1983 has truly made people take notice of Robertson and André himself is proud to be a son of Robertson - actually his first words after the announcement of him winning the General Smuts Trophy was - “ Robertson District deserves it!!”

We at Bon Courage honour André for his devotion and excellence in winemaking. The many awards won since 1983 testify to the quality of wines produced by him. Bon Courage is proud of André Bruwer! Thank you, André, for being such a good mentor for those to follow!

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