Jan Boland Coetzee, a prominent South African winemaker and former Springbok rugby player, has passed away at the age of 80 following a brief illness. His legacy as a winemaker was underscored by his innovative practices and a profound attachment to the land he worked. Coetzee famously stated, "Wine is a mirror of the environment. You need to listen to the voice of the land."
Coetzee was part of the Springbok team from 1974 to 1976, and shortly after his death, the team honored him with a moment of silence before their match against New Zealand, which they won in a historic defeat for the All Blacks. Adi Badenhorst, a fellow wine producer and longtime friend, reflected on Coetzee’s wisdom and humor, stating that conversations with him were engaging and profound, especially his anecdotes from growing up on the West Coast of South Africa.
The Coetzee family has deep roots in the Cape, tracing back to 1679. Jan was raised in modest circumstances, and his academic journey took him to Stellenbosch University, where he cultivated his interest in wine while also excelling in rugby. He began his winemaking career at Kanonkop in 1967 and was integral in creating the estate’s first vintage in 1973. His innovative approach included incorporating barriques into his winemaking after forming relationships with Bordeaux coopers during his rugby tours in France.
After purchasing Vriesenhof in 1980, Coetzee produced the farm’s first vintage the following year, focusing on varietals like Pinot Noir and Grenache well before they became popular in South Africa.
Coetzee was also a pioneer in expanding white winemaking in the region, particularly in his efforts to introduce Chardonnay. His strategy involved smuggling plant materials from Burgundy into South Africa in creative disguises, such as chocolate boxes and hidden within clothing. His actions led to a pivotal inquiry in 1986, which ultimately resulted in the lifting of the embargo on grape imports and the creation of the Vine Improvement Association.
In his later years, Coetzee enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren, leaving a lasting impact on his family and the broader wine community. Badenhorst expressed his deep admiration for Coetzee, stating, "When a man like Jan leaves his mark, it burns deep, and you are never the same again."
Coetzee’s contributions to both rugby and winemaking will be remembered as impactful milestones in South African history.