Obituary: Graham Beck

Pioneering South African wine producer Graham Beck, owner of Graham Beck Wines, died yesterday aged 80.

Beck, a self-made entrepreneur with considerable varied investments, died at his home in Kensington, London – where he often stayed to avoid the worst of the South African winter – after a battle against lung cancer.

Beck’s involvement with South African wine began with his purchase of the Madeba farm in Robertson, a property he developed into a world class producer of méthode cap classique.

Later acquisitions of properties in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch saw Graham Beck Wines grow to become a leading wine purveyor, reflecting Beck’s dream to produce wine to the “highest possible standards”.

The acquisition of Union Wine in 1989 led to the formation of Douglas Green Bellingham, a company shared with Kersaf in a 50/50 share; later acquired by Beck in entirety, then sold to management in 2006.

Beck’s most recent investment in South African wine was the purchase of Steenberg Wines and Hotel in the renowned Constantia Valley in 2005.

Last year Beck, with his wife Rhona, opened the Graham and Rhona Beck Skills Centre near Madeba in Robertson. Part of an extensive social development program, the centre aims to facilitate skills development for the long term upliftment of the farming community in the Breede River Valley.

Beck saw his greatest achievement in life as his ability to “give employment to thousands of people, and that this has enabled them to better their lives.”

Beck passed away with his wife Rhona by his side. Graham Beck Wines will continue to operate as it has done previously.

“It’s business as usual, that was his wish,” said Etienne Heyns, marketing manager at Graham Beck Wines.

Alan Lodge, 28.07.2010