Niel Bester

Born in 1960 in Durbanville, South Africa, Niel Bester graduated in Agricultural Sciences from Stellenbosch University in 1984, specializing in Oenology and Viticulture. He began his winemaking career in 1985 at Stellenbosch Farmer’s Winery, in Stellenbosch. He later made wines at Nederburg Wines (1989-1992) and at the Plaisir de Merle winery.

In 1992, he worked a harvest at Château Margaux in Bordeaux, working closely with Dr. Paul Pontallier. In 2021, after nearly 30 harvests at Plaisir de Merle, he founded Niel Bester Wines, focusing on his own range of red wines and also advising some clients. He joined the team at Quinta do Pégo in 2021 for his first harvest in the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Bester's career is marked by several awards and critical acclaim.