PEOPLE

Klein Constantia is owned by Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman. They acquired the farm in June 2011 from the Jooste family, who have been involved in the South African wine industry for four generations. As of January 2012 Hans Astrom succeeds Lowell Jooste as Managing Director of the estate with Lowell remaining on the Board of Klein Constantia as a non-executive member.

Hans comes with 26 years of experience in the international wine business. Early in his career he was voted Sweden's best sommelier and later became vice president of Peter Lehmann Wines Ltd. Before joining Klein Constantia he held a General Manager position for Hess Family Estates, one of the most successful New World wine producers.

Hans will be working closely with Mathew Day and Stiaan Cloete, who will be responsible for the coming vintage following Adam Mason's planned move to become Cellarmaster at Mulderbosch.

Zdenek Bakala said: "We are delighted to have attracted a manager of Hans' calibre and track record. He will drive the development of Klein Constantia under the new ownership with the ambition to solidify its position as the iconic South African wine estate, while reaching an ever increasing number of discerning wine connoisseurs around the world."