Pictured here, left to right:  Donavan Malies, Fanus  Adonis, Jan Floris and Frans Malies.

We caught up with Frans Malies, our longest standing employee. Frans has been caring for La Petite Ferme’s vineyards for almost three decades.  Frans has seen many seasons through with us here at La Petite Ferme, working on his dream.  What an achievement, Frans and thank you for being such an invaluable member of our team. Here’s to many more happy years with us.

Q: What is the best part of your day, Frans?
A: I like to see my colleagues put in a good day’s work and see their smiles at the end of the day.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge during your twenty plus years on the farm at La Petite Ferme?
A: I would say when we changed from farming with pears and plums to grapes.  Also, when the building happened.  Change is always a good challenge!  I love what I do. I’ve always loved working with the fruit trees and now, the vines.

Q: What has been your greatest achievement during your tenure?
A: When I was appointed as a permanent farm worker, I managed to further my studies and then, being promoted to farm manager.  

Q: Do you have any advice for the youth of South Africa this Heritage Month?
A: Always believe in yourself, be disciplined, set your goal and don’t let anybody stand in the way of what you want to achieve.

Frans recommends pairing Millie’s Spring dish with La Petite Ferme’s Winemaker’s Edition, the “Wikus” blend 2018.  Frans says, “I chose this wine because it is light but yet has enough structure to handle the salty richness of the dish.”