The Kirsten family has been farming table grapes in the beautiful and historical town of Paarl since 1916. This legacy which spans over a century continues today with the fourth generation currently at the helm of the business. Niël Kirsten (Managing Director) follows in his late father, JD’s, footsteps, farming table grapes in the Berg River Valley on the Irene and Uitkyk farms.

The JDK brand was established by Jacob Daniel Kirsten or JD as he was well known around the late 1970s. JD was born on 19 November 1948 and is the late father of Altus and Niël.

JD married Hester Josina (Hetta) Hurter on 18 August 1973 and had four children: Jannie, Hanel, Altus and Niël. JD inherited the farms Irene and Alphen in 1973 at the youthful age of 25 years.

He further acquired Uitkyk in 1975, Keurfontein in 1978, and St Elmo in 1980 as well as citrus farms in Porterville which he later sold. He served as Managing Director of JDK for many years and later as Chairman until his death in 2021. JD was well known for his contributions to water stewardship, new varietal development, and a passion for a scientific approach to farming table grapes. He had deep compassion for people and gave generously of his time and resources to the community. He made a truly remarkable contribution to the Table Grape industry in the Berg River Region.