OUR STORY

In June 2005, before Voortrekker Road was a bustling town centre, La Verne Wine Boutique opened its doors with the mission of showcasing wines for the remarkable Robertson Wine Valley to wine lovers across South Africa and abroad.

During that winter two couples who had been friends for years entered a new stage in their friendship – they became business partners. It was Pat and Elaine Paulsen who first had the dream of opening a wine boutique shortly after they opened Robertson Art Gallery in 2004. They approached André and Lizelle Fernhout, their close friends, and soon the dream became a reality.

André and Pat continued their jobs as full-time farmers, leaving their wives to head the businesses in town. While Elaine took care of the gallery, Lizelle soon became the heart and soul of La Verne. She welcomed customers with the passion and warmth that have become an integral part of the La Verne philosophy.

Seven years later André passed away in a car accident and in 2017, the community lost Lizelle to cancer.

This tragic story of loss turned into a new beginning when Franzelle, daughter of Pat and Elaine, moved back to Robertson in 2018, dreaming of returning to the place where she earned pocket money at school and university.  The family business is now run by father-daughter duo Pat and Franzelle who endeavour to provide customers with approachable, personal and educational wine experiences both in-store and through their online offering.

Together with their exceptional team, they offer visitors the opportunity to purchase the Robertson Wine Valley’s outstanding wines under one roof, as well as an innovative online retail experience and highly-curated Wine Club characterised by personal touches.  Believing that wine is something truly personal, the La Verne Team aims to personally become acquainted with each wine offered in their store, hoping to perfectly pair its character with the preference of each individual customer.

OUR VALUES