Fiona is the second-generation Bührer Family custodian of Saxenburg Wine Estate, together with her brother Vincent. She was both born in Switzerland but spent most of her childhood at Saxenburg with their three siblings. Inevitably Saxenburg had woven itself into her DNA.

“My life consists of Saxenburg moments, as the owner of the brand, I live and breathe Saxenburg and what truly motivates me are the Saxenburg moments. When I taste through the different wine barrels with our Winemaker and proudly see the creation and blending of the new Vintage of our Private Collection Syrah, a true Saxenburg moment. When we have a team lunch and everyone enjoys a glass of Saxenburg around the braai and shares stories and laughter. These moments are hidden everywhere but they make this profession truly meaningful and special.”

With a passion for Syrah and an MSc in Oenology, Brendan Smith is the Winemaker of Saxenburg. His philosophy is “to create wines of consistent quality” and strives to deliver a wine that reflects a sense of place in every bottle. He studied a BSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and went on to do his MSc in Oenology for which he achieved the “Cum Laude” distinction.

“My Saxenburg moment starts in the vineyards where every great wine begins. To walk amongst the vines, with views of Robben Island and Table Mountain and a fresh breeze guiding you on, is a privilege. With hard work and a bit of nurturing this moment begins to take form in the cellar until finally, the moment gets bottled. With the Saxenburg seal of approval, these moments are offered to all who drink a glass of Saxenburg.

Donovan was born in Sasolburg in the Free State, and at a young age, they moved to Wellington in the Boland. He has always been surrounded by vineyards and saw the tractors with all the grapes making their way to the cellars during harvest time when he was growing up. This sparked an interest in him, and being someone who loves spending time in nature, he knew that was what he wanted to do. He has been in the agricultural sector for 29 years, most of it being in Viticulture, which is his passion.

Donovan joined the Saxenburg team in 2008, and he is still passionate about the farm since the day he started.

“My Saxenburg moment is when I see someone opens a bottle of Saxenburg wine and know I played a part in creating a Saxenburg moment for them.”

Mandy was born in Cape Town to a German mother and a South African father. She is a sibling to 2 sisters. She found her passion for numbers early on in her career. She obtained her qualification in Bookkeeping and Financial Accounting. Mandy joined the Saxenburg team in March 2018 and has poured her knowledge and passion into her role as Finance Manager since then. Mandy is the mother of 2 girls and enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to spend time outdoors, taking her dog for scenic walks, and enjoying the tranquillity of nature.

“I experienced a true Saxenburg moment when I shared a celebratory glass of the smooth MCC with my family for my 40th birthday. I had a long moment of reflection on where I’ve come from and what I’d achieved in my life up to that day. I now look forward to the years ahead, sharing more achievements with my family, and celebrating with the Saxenburg wines.”

Heidi has 20 years of experience in sales and business development, with a strong focus over the past decade on driving growth, opening new markets, and building lasting partnerships both locally and internationally.

Driven by a genuine love for wine and people, she describes herself as a forever student of both wine and business. Heidi thrives on sharing the stories behind each bottle and creating moments that connect people to place, history, and craftsmanship. At Saxenburg, she is committed to strengthening the estate’s presence and reputation in the world of wine.

“My Saxenburg moment was sharing the launch of our 2021 Syrah with key trade partners. Each encounter filled me with awe for our wines, and to represent something so exceptional is truly special.”

Growing up in the platteland and attending school and university in the Winelands, Junelle’s connection to viticulture began at a young age. It was when her family moved to a farm, where her father farmed with wine grapes, that her passion for wine truly blossomed. This led to her completing her degree in BSc Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. Junelle is a hands-on person who loves talking about wine and has a passion for wine education and the South African wine industry. She loves how wine brings people together, creating connections and shared experiences.

“My Saxenburg moment is multi-faceted. It starts with the daily drive to the farm, greeted by pink skies and the tranquil beauty of the landscape. It’s the anticipation of tasting our wines straight from the barrel, witnessing its evolution with each passing day. And it’s the defining moment during my blind tasting interview, where a sip of our Shiraz ignited a passion to master its production.”

Gabriella was born in Johannesburg and grew up in Stellenbosch. She has experience in various areas of business and a fascination for terroir that has guided her way in the wine industry.

“I come from a family of wine lovers, and my path has been rooted in both science and soul. With a background in soil science and wine export, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working in cellars worldwide. But no matter where I go, one truth always remains: no one does it quite like home. My Saxenburg moment happens right in the tasting room, with our customers and their stories – meeting the very people who spread the Saxenburg love far and wide to every corner of the globe.

Here at Saxenburg, I’m proud to represent wines that tell the story of our land, our legacy, and our love for craftsmanship!”

Kate is originally from Durban and, after spending four years in Mauritius, has recently made the Western Cape her home. With a degree in Hospitality Management, she discovered her love for wine early in her career and has spent more than a decade in the industry locally and abroad.

“My passion for wine runs deep. What started as a chance encounter has grown into a true calling, one that inspires me to keep learning. I find so much joy in connecting people with wine! Being part of the dynamic, ever-evolving South African wine industry is what keeps me inspired.

My Saxenburg moment was the first time I tasted and connected with our wines. I realised then just how special they are; a reflection of our remarkable terroir and the dedication of our team.”

Brian Botes was born in KwaZulu-Natal. He moved to Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town, in 2016. Brian has worked at Saxenburg Wine Estate in our Maintenance Department for 8 years and assists with our wine deliveries and exports. His passion is working with and helping people, and he pours his heart into making sure our farm is in a pristine condition.

“I experienced my Saxenburg moment 6 years ago when my first grandchild was born. I flew down to KwaZulu-Natal to meet her for the first time and took a bottle of our Saxenburg MCC with. We popped the bottle of MCC on one of the evenings I was visiting to celebrate her and my daughter. She is my pride and joy.”

Charné Finch was born in Cape Town and is passionate about problem-solving and working with people.

“I bought a bottle of Guinea Fowl Chenin Blanc 2022 and took it along to a catch-up with my friends. It was so relaxing to enjoy a glass of wine that was made on the farm where I work. We all enjoyed chatting about the wine and I told them all about my first week working on the Saxenburg farm. It was so significant to me being in an exciting new chapter of my life but getting to enjoy it in a glass with old friends. This must be my favourite Saxenburg moment.”

Margeret joined the Saxenburg team back in 1996 as a helping hand in the vineyards. In 1997, the Bührer asked her to permanently join the housekeeping team at the Main Manor House. She saw the five Bührer children growing up on the farm. She oversees the Guest House and Manor House and helps keep the gardens in beautiful condition.

 

“One thing I do love about my job is the different and interesting things I get to do on a daily basis. Each morning when I start my day, I love enjoying the fresh air, open spaces and view that overlooks the farm. I love what I do, as I see the impact I have around the farm.”

Goodson was born in Malawi and moved to South Africa and grew up admiring horses and loved spending time outside gardening. He joined the Saxenburg team in 2019 to help look after all the gardens and the horses on Estate. He loves maintaining and growing plants as he is committed to ensuring the gardens are in the best shape possible. Being water-wise is one of the key goals he tries to implement on the farm, and together with the Bührer family, he has sharpened his knowledge of succulent plants. He really likes working together with the gardening team as they all share the same passion.

 

“I truly find joy in the beauty of the Saxenburg gardens. It is such a pleasure to look after the gardens and see how our hard work pays off”.