Gary Jordan
Gary Jordan obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Cape Town, majoring in Geology. Gary then worked as a Field Geologist for the Geological Survey in charge of various base metal prospecting projects throughout the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
Having joined Ted Jordan on the estate in a full-time capacity from 1985, Gary attended several courses at the Viticultural and Oenological Research Institute, in Stellenbosch.
In 1988, Gary and Kathy ventured overseas to the United States where they studied at the University of California (Davis). Gary attended the Programme in Viticulture and Enology whilst working under the mentorship of the Professor of Enology, Cornelius Ough, He also completed a 6-month internship at Iron Horse Winery, Sonoma.
Not only has Gary been involved in transforming Jordan into one of South Africa’s leading wine estates, he has also been an integral part of the South African Wine Industry. He is a past Chairman of the Cape Winemakers Guild, remains one of the selected senior judges for the South African Trophy Wine Show, and is a lecturer at the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy.
2009 saw Gary set up two restaurants, one on Jordan Estate (consistently rated in the Top 10 in South Africa) and one on the Thames in London where Michelin-listed High Timber Restaurant is regarded as a showcase for the South African wine industry.
Kathy Jordan
Obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Cape Town, with a double major in Economics and Industrial Psychology, Kathy went on to study at the University of California, Davis. She attended classes in the Department of Viticulture and Enology as well as marketing courses in the Department of Agricultural Economics. She also completed a 6-month internship at Iron Horse Winery, Sonoma.
On returning to South Africa, Kathy and Gary jointly spearheaded the growth and development of the family-run, Jordan Wine Estate, from the initial 6 000-case winery to a successful 65 000-case business, regularly rated as one of the Top 10 wineries in South Africa.
Since 1993, the maiden vintage at Jordan, both Gary & Kathy, has been hands-on and intimately involved in all aspects of winemaking, marketing, and the development of the estate from a small family-run, 100 T cellar into the 900 T cellar that it is today.
Kathy is committed to elevating the profile of woman in the wine business through her Women in Wine Initiative, started in 2013 with the help of Jancis Robinson.
2015 saw the start of a new venture on Jordan Wine Estate – the establishment of the Jordan Luxury Suites in which Kathy was instrumental. This new project adds another dimension to the visitor experience at Jordan.
Ted & Sheelagh Jordan
Ted Jordan was the third generation of shoemakers in the family, having taken over as Managing Director of Jordan Shoes in 1961. In 1982 Ted and Sheelagh purchased the original 74-hectare Stellenbosch property that makes up the core of Jordan Wine Estate and embarked on an extensive replanting programme, specialising in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes. Subsequent purchases of adjoining property have taken the total area of the Estate to 164 ha.
Seldom are farmers more hands-on than Ted and Sheelagh were. Ted was happiest developing a new vineyard or earthmoving with his bulldozer, and until his retirement, at the age of 78, he was completely involved in harvesting activities. Jordan Wine Estate would not have been the success it is today without their foresight, energy, and determination to succeed.
Sjaak Nelson
Sjaak grew up in the vineyards on a Tulbagh Estate. Although surrounded by vines he went to Boland College to study Financial Management for 3 years. Once graduated and in need of work he went to assist for a week at Tulbagh Co-op. A week turned into 3 years as he made himself indispensable. Here, Sjaak learned the grading of grapes and the importance of quality of quantity. He moved on after successfully managing 3 harvests, to Saxenburg, a Stellenbosch wine estate. It didn’t take long before he moved over to his neighbours at Jordan Wine Estate.
20 years later, Sjaak has proved himself year after year by producing award-winning wines with Gary & Kathy Jordan.
Sjaak is part of the Jordan family and knows each corner of the winery inside and out. If he is not in the cellar he is on his bike cycling the mountain ranges of the Cape.