Leenders Anno 1665
Winemaker
From humble Karoo roots to Cape Wine Master, Francois Bezuidenhout crafts Leenders wines with passion, heritage, and global expertise.
Early Life – 1970s–1980s
Francois Bezuidenhout was born in the small port-side city of Port Elizabeth on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. Hailing from a family of sheep farmers in the Little Karoo, his early years were rooted in farming traditions.
The Spark – Late 1980s
When his family moved to Cape Town, a school trip to Groot Constantia sparked his fascination with wine—an interest that would shape the course of his life.
Education & Global Experience – 1990s–2000s
Francois pursued his studies at Stellenbosch University, later expanding his skills with winemaking stints in New Zealand, California, and Germany. These experiences deepened his knowledge and refined his approach to crafting wine.
Mastery – 2014
After years of honing his craft, Francois earned his diploma as a Cape Wine Master—joining an elite group dedicated to promoting and advocating for South African wine.
Leenders Begins – 2017
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Francois began producing his own wines. Leenders was born, a label that celebrates his passion, heritage, and global expertise.
