When Jacob Peu bought his first bottle of wine, a Pinotage from a local supermarket, it tasted like petrol, he says. That was six years ago.

Today, Peu is not only a wine connoisseur, he is also the owner of Jacob's Quest, a new range of wines targeted at those only now getting acquainted with vino. "I've always been curious about wine. I found the bottling most attractive and something about wine and the lifestyle of those who enjoy it made me want to get involved," says the entrepreneur from Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.

Undeterred by the supermarket plonk, Peu embarked on a mission to educate himself about wines, attending exhibitions and tasting events. He enrolled at the Cape Wine Academy. His first venture into the industry, as co-owner of a wine marketing and distribution company, was unsuccessful, but "you learn and move on", he says. Hence the name Jacob's Quest.

The idea of a wine portfolio aimed mainly at the black market emerged after Peu met Cape-based wine maker Des Green. The two became friends and in 2006 Peu became Greenacres Holdings' empowerment partner and executive director.
Last year they set up a garagiste wine cellar at Houdconstant Farm, near Porterville in the Swartland. That is where Jacob produced his maiden Chenin Blanc. In February, Jacob's Quest was born. The label is currently available in natural sweet rosé and pétillant white.

03 October 2008      
ENTREPRENEUR
Garagiste's quest ends in success
By Matebello Motloung

Financial Mail