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People
At Benguela Cove, we believe that great wine is born not only of sun, soil, and vines - but of people. Behind every bottle and every experience at our estate stands a team driven by passion, skill, and creativity. From the cellar to the kitchen, it’s the dedication and vision of extraordinary individuals that transform grapes into award-winning wines and meals into unforgettable memories.
Meet the talented people whose expertise and devotion make Benguela Cove a place where craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation thrive.
The vision
At the heart of Benguela Cove lies the vision of Penny Streeter OBE and Nick Rea. United by a passion for excellence and sustainability, they have shaped the estate into a world-class destination for wine, dining, and unique experiences. Their leadership and entrepreneurial spirit fuel every aspect of Benguela Cove’s success, from its breathtaking vineyards to its commitment to conservation and innovation.
Penny Streeter OBE, Owner Benguela Cove
Penny Streeter OBE is the founder and owner of Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. Born in Zimbabwe she moved to the UK at 12 and founded the A24 Group a leading medical staffing agency in 1996. Her entrepreneurial journey led to acquiring Benguela Cove in 2013 where she drives sustainable property development and award winning wine production. A passionate conservationist Penny ensures the estate upholds WWF and WIETA standards delivering exceptional visitor experiences through wine tastings eco cruises and luxury accommodations. Her achievements include an OBE for Services to Enterprise in 2006 and South African Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year in 2019.
Nick Rea, Co-Owner, Benguela Cove
Nick Rea, Co-Owner of Benguela Cove, has an extensive background in property development and commercial operations. With years of leadership at A24 Group, Leonardslee Gardens, and Mannings Heath Golf, he has successfully overseen residential and commercial projects, from large-scale developments to high-end estates. Nick’s expertise in property management and business operations ensures Benguela Cove delivers outstanding quality and value to its customers.
Masters of the Vine
At Benguela Cove, crafting exceptional wines is both an art and a science, entrusted to the skilled hands of our vineyard and cellar team. From nurturing each vine to blending award-winning wines, Johann, Jaco, and Michelle combine expertise, innovation, and respect for nature. Together, they ensure every glass of Benguela Cove wine captures the estate’s unique terroir and the spirit of sustainability that guides our journey.
Johann Fourie, Cellar Master of Benguela Cove and Leonardslee Vineyards
Johann Fourie is the Cellar Master at both Benguela Cove and Leonardslee Family Vineyards, bringing over a decade of expertise in winemaking to both estates. With a deep passion for the craft, Johann plays a pivotal role in overseeing the production of award-winning wines that reflect the unique terroirs of both South Africa’s Benguela Cove and England’s Leonardslee.
Johann’s approach to winemaking combines precision, innovation, and sustainability. His understanding of each estate’s distinct climate and soil allows him to create wines that express the true essence of the land, from the cool-climate wines of Benguela Cove to the elegant offerings from Leonardslee.
At the helm of both estates, Johann oversees every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to fermentation, blending, and aging. His dedication coupled with a deep respect for the environment, has been instrumental in the continued success and recognition of both Benguela Cove and Leonardslee as producers of world-class wines.
Jaco Mouton, Viticulturist Benguela Cove
Jaco Mouton has been Benguela Coves Viticulturist since 2009 with expertise in sustainable viticulture. Trained at Elsenburg Agricultural Institute after growing up in Calitzdorp he worked at Simonsig before joining the estate. Jaco manages 70 hectares of vineyards growing varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon adhering to WWFs sustainable farming practices and WIETA accreditation to ensure soil health biodiversity and ethical standards. His approach delivers exceptional cool climate wines and enhances visitor experiences through vineyard tours and tastings.
Michelle Waldeck, General Manager Benguela Cove
Michelle Waldeck has been a key part of Benguela Cove since graduating with extensive experience in winemaking. For eight years she worked alongside winemaker Johann Fourie as assistant winemaker perfecting the production of Benguela Coves estate wines. Now as General Manager Michelle applies her wine expertise to enhance the estates tourism offerings ensuring guests enjoy outstanding wine experiences from vineyard tours to tastings while managing the estates operations with a focus on quality.
Culinary Creators
Beyond the vineyards, the artistry of Benguela Cove comes alive in the kitchen. Our chefs craft unforgettable dining experiences inspired by local ingredients, sustainability, and the wines that define our estate. From innovative tasting menus to soulful dishes that reflect the Cape’s culinary heritage, Jean and Christo bring passion and creativity to every plate, ensuring that a visit to Benguela Cove is a feast for all the senses.
Jean Delport, Executive Chef – Restaurant Interlude & Benguela Cove
Jean Delport is an internationally renowned chef with a remarkable culinary career that continues to inspire. As the second South African chef to achieve a Michelin star and the first to earn a Green Michelin Star, Jean’s commitment to sustainable and innovative cooking makes him a perfect fit for Benguela Cove. His accolades, including being a finalist on the prestigious Great British Menu, are a testament to his exceptional talent and passion for fine dining.
Jean’s connection to Benguela Cove goes beyond his impressive credentials; he shares the estate's dedication to sustainability and quality. With his extensive experience, he is set to lead the opening of our new restaurant in late 2025. Under his guidance, the restaurant will reflect his culinary philosophy of combining local, seasonal ingredients with sustainable practices, creating an unforgettable dining experience for all guests.
At Benguela Cove, Jean will bring a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and a deep respect for nature. His vision for the restaurant is to offer a dining experience that not only celebrates the exceptional wines of Benguela Cove but also showcases his commitment to sustainable, environmentally conscious cooking. As we prepare to welcome this new chapter, we are excited to see Jean's culinary brilliance shine at the heart of Benguela Cove, making it a landmark destination for food and wine lovers alike.
Christo Hattingh, Chef Benguela Cove
Christo Hattingh is the chef at Benguela Cove cooking up dishes that highlight local ingredients. He trained at a top South African culinary school and worked in busy UK restaurants known for creative food. Now back home he runs the estates kitchens serving meals that go great with Benguela Coves wines. His food makes dining at the estate a standout experience for visitors.