At the age of 21, Kay married Sebastian Smuts in Harare, Zimbabwe. They soon relocated to South Africa, where Kay’s farming aspirations took root.
In 1923, they purchased land in the Robertson valley, christening it Lucerne in honour of her cherished memories. Kay embarked on her agricultural journey, primarily farming ducks and chickens. Their only son, Ivan Sedgwick Smuts, later inherited the farm, cultivating vineyards and orchards. Ivan and his wife, Dianne Beard, had three sons, one of whom, Grant Smuts, now presides over Lucerne alongside his sons, Juan-Ivan and Sean-Grant, the fourth generation.
Unearthing a chapter of our family’s illustrious history reveals a parallel tale in the Lozärn story.
In 1898, Kathleen May was born in Fish Hoek to Amy Sedgwick, an English mother, and Robert Müller, a German father. Her maternal grandfather, Captain James Sedgwick, founded the renowned Sedgwick’s Old Brown sherry enterprise. Kathleen’s childhood unfolded between Europe and South Africa, followed by her studies at a horticultural college in Warwickshire, United Kingdom.
With the advent of World War I, her father served in the German army, prompting Kathleen—affectionately known as Kay—to escape with her mother and sister to Switzerland on a troop train. They settled in Lucerne, a city whose picturesque charm left an indelible mark on Kay’s heart.
At the age of 21, Kay married Sebastian Smuts in Harare, Zimbabwe. They soon relocated to South Africa, where Kay’s farming aspirations took root.
In 1923, they purchased land in the Robertson valley, christening it Lucerne in honour of her cherished memories. Kay embarked on her agricultural journey, primarily farming ducks and chickens. Their only son, Ivan Sedgwick Smuts, later inherited the farm, cultivating vineyards and orchards. Ivan and his wife, Dianne Beard, had three sons, one of whom, Grant Smuts, now presides over Lucerne alongside his sons, Juan-Ivan and Sean-Grant, the fourth generation.
Unearthing a chapter of our family’s illustrious history reveals a parallel tale in the Lozärn story.
In 1898, Kathleen May was born in Fish Hoek to Amy Sedgwick, an English mother, and Robert Müller, a German father. Her maternal grandfather, Captain James Sedgwick, founded the renowned Sedgwick’s Old Brown sherry enterprise. Kathleen’s childhood unfolded between Europe and South Africa, followed by her studies at a horticultural college in Warwickshire, United Kingdom.
With the advent of World War I, her father served in the German army, prompting Kathleen—affectionately known as Kay—to escape with her mother and sister to Switzerland on a troop train. They settled in Lucerne, a city whose picturesque charm left an indelible mark on Kay’s heart.
A homage to her enduring legacy, the Lozärn label encapsulates the essence of our family’s journey.
Intricately designed and adorned with a delicate duck skeleton, it pays tribute to Kathleen’s humble origins as a duck farmer a century ago. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each facet of the label exudes exclusivity and sophistication, embodying a harmonious fusion of European heritage and South African legacy.
Anchored in the fertile soils of South Africa, our grapes bear witness to our enduring bond with the land and its abundant treasures. With each bottle of Lozärn uncorked, a narrative of resilience, tradition, and unbridled passion unfolds. Every sip is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, where the past converges with the present in a symphony of taste and elegance. As we raise our glasses to honour the indomitable spirit of Kathleen Smuts and the generations that followed, we invite you to savour the epitome of excellence, encapsulated in every drop of Lozärn wine.
Ä.
A homage to her enduring legacy, the Lozärn label encapsulates the essence of our family’s journey.
Intricately designed and adorned with a delicate duck skeleton, it pays tribute to Kathleen’s humble origins as a duck farmer a century ago. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each facet of the label exudes exclusivity and sophistication, embodying a harmonious fusion of European heritage and South African legacy.
Anchored in the fertile soils of South Africa, our grapes bear witness to our enduring bond with the land and its abundant treasures. With each bottle of Lozärn uncorked, a narrative of resilience, tradition, and unbridled passion unfolds. Every sip is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, where the past converges with the present in a symphony of taste and elegance. As we raise our glasses to honour the indomitable spirit of Kathleen Smuts and the generations that followed, we invite you to savour the epitome of excellence, encapsulated in every drop of Lozärn wine.
Ä.
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