Hess Family sells Glen Carlou to Pactolus

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 20 December, 2016

Hess Family Wine Estates is selling its prestigious South African Glen Carlou winery to the Pactolus Consortium, headed by tech investor and serial entrepreneur Wayne Pitout, for an undisclosed sum.

Glen Carlou is the Hess Family's only South African property, and the decision to sell is a result of the company's strategic focus on wines with the strongest commercial prospects in the US market.

There are expected to be no changes at Glen Carlou, which is situated in the Paarl region of the Western Cape and is best known for its Chardonnays.

The Hess Family has owned the winery since 2003.

The Hess Collection

Timothy Persson, chief executive of Hess Family Wine Estates, said: "The new owners bring with them a wealth of business acumen, but most important, it is their enthusiasm, support and energy which will see a reinvigoration for Glen Carlou.

"The winery has thrived under the leadership of general manager Johan Erasmus and his team, and will continue to serve as a prime example of the potential for great winemaking in South Africa."

Pitout, best known as the founder of iTouch, said: "For nearly a decade, Glen Carlou has grown to be one of the most successful businesses in the South African wine industry, resulting in a financially sound winery recognized for consistently producing some of the best premium and super premium wines in the Western Cape.

"The winery is poised to enter a new phase in its illustrious history, and we are excited to take the helm."

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