The Legacy
To know where you are going you must know where you come from.
The legacy and the business
We are focused on growing our farm, businesses and our people. Measured by our impact to create a better world for the next generation, we are following in the footsteps of our forefathers.
Versailles, situated in the lavish and beautiful Wellington valley, was first granted to French Huguenots in 1699. In 1846, it was acquired by the Malan family. Today, seven generations later, their descendants are still living here.
A legendary winemaking tradition established by these ancestors has resulted in the making of a variety of excellent wines – from the superb Malan de Versailles collection, to our most recent addition – the easy-drinking Versailles range.
The Family
Seven generations
The Malan family has been farming on Versailles for seven generations with the eighth generation on the way.
When Petrus Johannes Malan (1820 – 1899) first bought the farm, he could never have anticipated the mark his descendants would make in the town of Wellington. A story of pioneers, pilots, leadership and vision, helping the community and growing the economy.
The Malan Name &
The French Huguenots
The role the Malan family played in the history of the Huguenots is a fascinating one, and may date as far back as the year 830 AD. But it is thanks to the early pioneer, Jacques Malan, that thousands of South Africans bear the proudly-Huguenot name of Malan today.
The Wellington Train Station
In November 1863, watched by hundreds of thrilled spectators, the first train from Cape Town arrived at the newly constructed Wellington station. The discovery of diamonds made it a national priority to extend the railway line – however, the property through which the proposed rail extension was to run was part of “Oom Pieter” Malan’s farm, better known as Versailles. The canny businessman made a deal which irrevocably changed the fortunes of the town as it gave him and his cronies an excellent view of the famous and royal passengers passing by.
Contact Us
General
For general enquiries, queries or customer service please email: info@versailleswines.co.za or contact 021 873 2618
Sales
For general sales enquiries, queries or sales services please email: sales@versailleswines.co.za or contact 021 873 2618