Rovos Rail and Boplaas – a perfect pairing
On a recent visit to the picturesque Klein Karoo, I had the pleasure of meeting members of the sixth generation of Boplaas Wines at their beautiful tasting room in Calitzdorp (South Africa’s Cape port capital). The visit deepened my understanding of the Rovos Rail and Boplaas partnership. There, I spent time with acclaimed Boplaas winemaker Margaux Nel and her husband, Leon Coetzee, and learned more about the rich heritage and bright future of this proudly South African wine producer.
Rovos Rail is known for hand-selecting only the finest suppliers, and Boplaas has long held a place among them. The synergy between the two businesses is undeniable – both are family-owned and run, deeply committed to quality, customer service, and to supporting local wherever possible – a partnership rooted in shared values and a passion for excellence.
Boplaas is now flourishing under the guidance of the sixth generation of the Nel family, who bring fresh energy and innovation while honouring the family’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions. Margaux Nel leads as winemaker, Rozanne Nel heads up the marketing team and Daniel Nel is the distiller and also involved in marketing. Each family member plays a key role in continuing Boplaas’ proud legacy and ensuring the winery remains at the forefront of the industry.
Boplaas is perhaps best known for its exceptional port-style wines, having garnered numerous prestigious awards both locally and internationally. The tradition of crafting fortified wines at Boplaas began in the late 1800s, when Portuguese grape varieties were first introduced to the region. Initially mistaken for Shiraz, these varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, and Souzão, have since become signature cultivars in Boplaas’ portfolio, prized for their rich character and lower water requirements, making them ideal for sustainable farming in the arid Karoo.
Boplaas is perhaps best known for its exceptional port-style wines, having garnered numerous prestigious awards both locally and internationally. The tradition of crafting fortified wines at Boplaas began in the late 1800s, when Portuguese grape varieties were first introduced to the region. Initially mistaken for Shiraz, these varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, and Souzão, have since become signature cultivars in Boplaas’ portfolio, prized for their rich character and lower water requirements, making them ideal for sustainable farming in the arid Karoo.
Beyond fortified wines, Boplaas also produces an impressive range of craft spirits, including gin and brandy, continuing to diversify while maintaining the highest standards.
When asked about the key to Boplaas’ ongoing success over six generations, Margaux shared these guiding principles: holding strong family values, involving family members in the business, ensuring the right people are in the right roles, exceptional customer service that builds long-term relationships, and growing sustainably and within their means. These are not just business strategies; they’re a reflection of the ethos that has guided Boplaas from its earliest days.
The future of Boplaas is bright. With a focus on the Portuguese varieties, which are both climate-resilient and increasingly in demand, the Nels are positioning their winery not only as a custodian of tradition but as a forward-thinking leader in sustainable viticulture.
A more recent addition to the Boplaas story is The Fledge & Co, an independent label spearheaded by Leon Coetzee. This project began in 2007 with its first bottles released being the 2010 Vagabond and 2011 Hoek Steen Old Vine Chenin and sales beginning in 2012. Today, The Fledge & Co works with over 50 vineyards and 23 different grape varieties, sourcing grapes from multi-generational family growers, many of whom share similar values of quality and sustainability.
The name Vagabond stems from the fact that the winemakers do not own vineyards but travel around diverse wine growing regions in search of the best grapes they can find. For each vintage, the team travel over 20 000km to hand-select grapes, resulting in a limited but diverse range of wines from as far-flung areas as the Cederberg, Piketberg, Elgin and the Tradouw. A standout among these is the Vagabond Blend, a flagship white wine comprising nine different varieties sourced from 17 vineyards – it’s a popular choice in the Rovos Rail wine selection.
The brand’s logo, the Cape Robin – a local bird often spotted in the wine cellar – perfectly captures the heart and soul of this venture: proudly local, naturally curious, and quietly distinctive.
Boplaas and Fledge & Co are run independently with a completely different offering. Boplaas represents the original historic brand – wines and ports made from Boplaas grown grapes and a strong local focus with approximately 10% international sales. Fledge & Co is the creative offshoot, utilising outsourced grapes and a focus on the export market with 75–80% of their offering sold internationally.
Boplaas and The Fledge & Co are more than just wine labels, they’re stories of heritage, family, and innovation. As trusted partners with Rovos Rail, they continue to delight the train’s passengers from around the world.
If you ever find yourself in the Klein Karoo, a visit to the Boplaas tasting room in Calitzdorp is not to be missed. You’ll leave not just with fine wine, but with a deep appreciation for a family legacy that continues to evolve – glass by glass.
| At the time of publishing it was announced that Boplaas won Best Fortified for the fifth time in Tim Atkin MW’s South African Report 2025, with their 20-Year-Old Colheita Tawny. The Fledge also did well in this prestigious report, becoming a Fourth Growth in his classifications – a major jump placing the brand firmly amongst rarified company. |
Please note that items on our wine list and bar menus are subject to availability and not always in stock and available on board.
Written by Linda Sparks
