Jolene Calitz le Roux

Harvesting grapes and making wine is how Jolene Calitz le Roux grew up, it was a way of life on her family’s Calitzdorp farm.

Working her school holidays at De Krans Cellar she recognized the need to actively pursue her interest in the winemaking process. After completing her schooling she took up Oenology at Elsenburg Agricultural College; with the first two years behind her she felt practical experience would serve her well, doing her first harvest at Hazendal Wine Estate and her second at Franciscan Oakville Estate in California.

On her return to South Africa Jolene completed her diploma at Elsenburg and started as Assistant Winemaker at Franschhoek Vineyards where she was appointed Winemaker in 2004. Jolene took up her position as Winemaker at Bonnievale Wine Cellar in 2007. Jolene is the Senior Winemaker.