Beginnings vineyard is aptly named for it has provided a new life for 16 farm workers and their families who harvest their own grapes and bottle their own wine under the Paarl mountains in the Cape's world-famous winelands. They continue to work the vineyards of the adjoining Nelson's Creek wine estate, which donated the land in 1997, but the farm workers now employ others to prune and harvest their own grapes. New Beginnings's turnover stands at about R1,75-million.
Exports go to Europe and, since last year, to Japan.
A rose wine was added to the range last year. Their medical costs and their children's education are covered by profits. This year they plan to set up a retirement scheme. Materially, they have gained a lot. In 1988 advocate Alan Nelson fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a wine estate.