For Jorika Visser, wine has always been a family affair. She was just nine years old when she helped plant Raka Wines' first vineyards, and by the time she officially joined the family business in 2007, she was already part of the furniture. Today, as marketing manager, she juggles everything from sales and exports to running the tasting room, while still finding time to lend a hand on the bottling line when needed.
Working alongside her parents and three brothers, Jorika thrives on the balance of creativity, strategy, and hands-on involvement that her role demands. Above all, she loves representing wines made by her own family – authentic, quality-driven, and deeply rooted in the Overberg.
We sat down with Jorika Visser, marketing manager at Raka Wines, to talk about growing up on the farm and her journey in wine.”
As a family business, we are a hands-on operation where everyone pitches in. My role focuses on sales, marketing, and overseeing the tasting room, distribution, export logistics, invoicing, payment follow ups, ordering packaging materials and the odd occasion of helping on the bottling/labelling line, driving the forklift or running a farm errand.
I wear many hats and enjoy the variety. However, the safety net that comes with a family business – knowing that my brothers and parents are there to support me with spot-on advice or guidance, or can step in when I fall short – helps me excel. This flexibility allows us to run efficiently and effectively, as I can help them when they need a hand.
What I enjoy most is working with a product that my family produces. Being involved in the daily operations and being proud of our wines is what excites and inspires me about my role. I also love the creative aspect, where I get to blend strategy, planning, and problem-solving to drive success. It's rewarding to see our efforts pay off and foresee opportunities and challenges along the way and execute it to success!
Currently, with the slower wine market, declining sales, and shelves flooded with specials, the challenge is to stay relevant while staying true to our brand.
Sustainability means remembering that excellent wine takes more to make. The right customers value and appreciate Raka wines – they don’t see them as just another price tag. This makes it even more important for my brothers – Josef, our winemaker, and Pieter, our viticulturist – to continue producing the exceptional quality we are known for.
In a country blessed with so many outstanding wines, finding and keeping your place in the sun is a challenge – but, in South Africa, there is enough sunshine for everyone.
Our farm is quite remote, with our nearest neighbours 4 km away. Growing up here, my brothers were my best friends. Whenever we fought or disagreed, the one in the wrong knew they had to apologise and take responsibility – or they'd have no one to play with! I think that early lesson built the foundation for our family business: complete trust in each other.
Sunday lunch was a non-negotiable tradition my mother insisted on, and it helped cultivate strong family values. I am incredibly lucky to have three older brothers who care deeply for me – each one unique, with different strengths that support me in their own way.
Being the youngest does not mean I am spoiled – my mother is extremely fair – but if my brothers want something, they usually send me to my father to start the negotiations… Now that they have children of their own, they understand why I hold a special place in my father’s heart.
Of course, we have our disagreements – if we didn’t, that wouldn't be normal. But at the end of the day (or week), we always come together to share a glass of wine and a braai.
I am grateful to work in our family business and enjoy it. It's fulfilling to work alongside loved ones.
My husband and our two daughters live on a farm near Raka, which makes it easy to take quick farm adventures, enjoy a braai in the veld, or go for walks in the mountains. Involving our children in daily farm activities helps me maintain balance, blending work and family life naturally.
Slowing down and focusing on the joy of your work – rather than just the work – brings a deeper sense of fulfilment.
My favourite wine has to be Raka Quinary – and yes, I know I am biased, but it is hard to beat! I have always loved Bordeaux-style blends, especially five-way blends. There is an art to crafting a wine that highlights the very best qualities of each component. The Quinary is full-bodied and rich, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and subtle nuances that keep revealing new sides of the blend over time.
I also love its versatility – it pairs beautifully with everything from charcuterie boards to hearty stews, lighter meals, or simply biltong and cheese. It’s a wine that can stand proudly on its own or complement a variety of flavours, which is why I return to it so often.
In summer, I lean toward a crisp Sauvignon Blanc (or a Sauvignon Blanc blend) or a dry-style rosé. Some favourites include Strandveld Pofadderbos Sauvignon Blanc, Ghost Corner Bowline, Raka Sauvignon Blanc, De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc, Nitida Bush Baby, and Springfield Miss Lucy. For rosé, I enjoy Simonsig Needless to Say, Creation Rosé, and Stettyn Rosé.
And of course, who can resist a glass of vonkel – Cap Classique? My go-tos are Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel, Graham Beck Brut or Brut Rosé, Le Lude Brut Réservé or Brut Rosé, and Stanford Hills MCC.
My husband is a beekeeper, mainly for pollination, but we also keep hives in the mountains for fynbos honey. I love joining him to tend to the bees – it is fascinating to watch these incredible creatures at work and to see how every bee plays a vital role in the colony, just as every person does in life. Even with the risk of stings, the bee suit makes it a calm and almost meditative experience, and it is a constant reminder of how important bees are to nature.
When I am not with the bees or working with wine, I am busy being a mom to our two daughters – a lively 4-year-old and an 8-month-old baby. I treasure our little adventures, games, and the pure joy of seeing the world through their eyes. From the baby’s squeals of laughter over the smallest things to her babbling along in conversations, they remind me daily that being present with the ones who matter most is truly enough.
The wine industry is truly amazing – it is a blend of art, science, language, opinion, and lively debate. Everyone involved, from producers to consumers, shares a genuine love for wine, which makes it such a welcoming community.
When I took my first wine course at 12, I was told, “The more you drink, the more you will learn!” But I would add this: immerse yourself fully in all aspects of the industry and cultivate a deep passion for it.
Being passionate about what you sell is key, but stay authentic. Some of the most memorable wine experiences I’ve had were not just about the wine’s quality, but about the connection and presentation by the host. That genuine passion is what truly resonates.
Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.