Berene Sauls has transformed her deep connection to heritage into the thriving Tesselaarsdal Wines. Celebrating her family’s roots and the history of Tesselaarsdal, Berene is carving out a legacy that reflects not only the soil and climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley but also the story of her ancestors.
Journey in history
Berene grew up in the small village of Tesselaarsdal, 24 kilometres northeast of Hermanus. In history, Tesselaarsdal dates to 1810 when settler Johannes Tesselaar left his land to his freed slaves. This profound heritage has played a significant role in shaping Berene’s outlook on life and business.
After completing high school, Berene joined Hamilton Russell Vineyards as an au pair. Over time, she transitioned from administrative tasks to managing wine exports, labelling, and warehousing, growing increasingly fascinated by the winemaking process. “I was drawn to the delicate process from grape to bottle and the excitement of each harvest,” she reflects.
After 15 years of dedication and experience, Anthony Hamilton Russell offered her the opportunity of a lifetime – a no-strings-attached startup investment to launch her wine label. With the guidance of winemaker Emul Ross and the Hamilton Russell team, Tesselaarsdal Wines was born.
Honouring heritage
For Berene, the name Tesselaarsdal is a homage to the community’s and her ancestors’ legacy. She chose to focus on Pinot Noir, a cultivar well-suited to the climate and soil of the Overberg region, with the first grapes sourced from La Vierge’s Babylon Vineyards.
“By naming my wine Tesselaarsdal, I am honouring my history and continuing my family’s legacy,” Berene explains. Her vision extends far beyond the present. She is establishing the first generation of family farming in Tesselaarsdal with her two sons, Darren (20) and Calem (13), having recently planted the village’s first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards.
Recognition and accolades
Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir has quickly garnered outstanding 93-point+ ratings and high praise from wine experts such as Greg Sherwood MW, Christian Eedes, Jamie Goode, and Tim Atkins.
The recognition has only grown, with Berene recently receiving the 2024 Western Cape Department of Agriculture Women Entrepreneur Award for Best Commercial Producer. “It’s incredibly humbling to be acknowledged for my role in agriculture,” says Berene. “This award also comes with a much-needed cash prize, which will further support the growth of my business.”
Compass for the future
For Berene, understanding heritage is essential for shaping the future. With a solid connection to her past, she’s inspired to build a prosperous future for her family and community. “I always say, if you know where you come from, you know where you are going,” she shares. Raised in “a place with such a unique history, Berene finds constant inspiration in her roots, using them as a foundation for her success.
As Heritage Day approaches, Berene plans to celebrate with family and friends with a traditional South African braai, recommending chargrilled lamb loin chops with potato salad paired with Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2022.
Berene’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected figure in South African winemaking is a testament to the power of heritage and perseverance. Through Tesselaarsdal Wines, she continues to honour her past while building a future for her family and community – one bottle at a time.
