Benguela Cove Wine Estate, set on the beautiful Botrivier lagoon in Hermanus (known for its incredible wines, food, wedding venues, luxury accommodations and gorgeous views), is proud to have some truly amazing women at its helm. In celebration of Women’s Month, we chatted to multiple-award-winning winemaker Michelle Waldeck, inimitable head chef Annie Badenhorst, and owner (and champion of women in business) Penny Streeter.
Michelle Waldeck, Winemaker
One of Benguela Cove’s talented winemakers, Michelle Waldeck, has garnered increasing attention over recent years. Her awards highlight young innovators in the wine industry and illustrate her significant contributions to the field and the vital role she’s played at Benguela Cove.
You’ve won numerous awards. Tell us about the one you’re the most proud of and why. If I had to pick one… it would be being selected for the 2024 WineLand 30 Under 30 list… I deeply believe in leaving what you have received in a better position for the next generation.. (and promoting) the South African wine industry to the best of my ability. Being recognized on this platform is a testament that our efforts are making a difference, and it inspires me to continue pushing for progress and excellence.
Tell us about the challenges you’ve faced, if any, in getting into a predominantly male-dominated industry as a woman. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a significant positive change. When I started out, I was often one of the few women in the room. It was easy to feel intimidated walking into a room filled with industry greats, especially when they were all male. Now, it’s inspiring to see so many young females entering the industry. I believe that by staying focused, putting in the hard work, and believing in our capabilities, success will undoubtedly follow.
What is your favourite Benguela Cove wine, and why? I can’t pick a single favourite, but as a rule, I always have a Benguela Cove Cap Classique in my fridge. There isn’t one wine I exclusively prefer; what I open depends on what’s for dinner, who the company is, and the mood of the moment.
Annie Badenhorst, Head Chef at Moody Lagoon Restaurant
Chef Annie Badenhorst has a philosophy of keeping things fresh, local and spontaneously inspired. As a child growing up on a farm in Namibia, she learned how to avoid any waste of animals, an approach which still plays a role in her menus today. After earning a Practical Cookery & Patisserie Diploma at the highly-acclaimed Zevenwacht Chef School, she went on to work at Sofia’s at Morgenster, The Restaurant and then Eikendal and Eques at Cavalli, among others.
Your dishes pay homage to local ingredients. What are some of your favourite local ingredients? Can you tell us about one of your favourite dishes currently on the lunch or dinner menu made with one of these? That is a really hard question… I am working on a seaweed and wine pairing for our spring menu, which I am loving at the moment… (my) menu features an array of dishes that pay homage to (my) Namibian roots and French culinary training. These include succulent baked snails with garlic Gruberg crust to tender braised beef short rib with creamy thyme polenta. Supporting .. (local) fishing communities allows us to serve the freshest, most responsibly sourced seafood while contributing to a more ethical and sustainable food system… Our guests can enjoy exceptional ingredients while supporting a worthy cause.
Can you tell us a little about your background before you joined Moody Lagoon at Benguela Cove? Farm life taught me traditional cooking and the joy of a good braai. Around 16 or 17, I realised I wanted to be a chef… After chef school, I delved into French cuisine, working for chef Craig Cormack. Travel beckoned after that, taking me to places like New Zealand. Understanding wine is crucial for a chef. It’s about creating dishes that enhance the wine’s character.
Penny Streeter, Owner
Penny Streeter, owner of Benguela Cove Wine Estate, bought the vineyard in 2013 and began transforming it into the award-winning brand it is today, with no prior experience in the wine industry. However, as an acute businesswoman (who had even won the OBE for ‘Services to Enterprise’ in 2006 for her medical recruitment agency, the A24 Group), her strategy, passion and resilience took the estate into new territory. She champions two causes: women in business and protecting the natural environment.
What are you most proud of at Benguela Cove? I am most proud of our exceptional achievements and the incredible team that makes it all possible. Our Veritas and numerous other award-winning wines stand as a testament to our dedication to quality and excellence in viticulture. These accolades highlight our commitment to producing some of the finest wines, recognized both locally and internationally. I am immensely proud of our staff, whose passion and expertise elevate every visit.
What were some of the challenges you faced building this business? One significant challenge was breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry and earning respect and recognition for our wines. Additionally, establishing a world-class vineyard and destination required meticulous planning, investment, and overcoming logistical hurdles.
Which wine-tasting experience at Benguela Cove do you recommend the most and why? I highly recommend the Wine, Food, and Art Pairing Experience every Saturday!
Book your stay now via call 087 357 0637 or email
Website: benguelacove.co.za
Email: info@benguelacove.co.za
Tel: 087 357 0637
Instagram: @benguelacove
Facebook: @benguelacoveestate
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