Riaan Maritz
Riaan, originally from Paarl, South Africa, is a recent addition to the team at Berning Farms, though he brings a wealth of experience in agriculture. At the farm, his duties range from trucking and maintenance to assisting in any area where he can contribute to the daily operations. His strong organizational skills, combined with his background in construction, maintenance, and farming, make him a valuable asset to the farm’s ongoing success.
In his younger years, Riaan was passionate about rugby and cricket, eventually being named captain of his cricket team. After completing trade school, he headed to England, where he spent several years working in construction. Upon returning to South Africa, Riaan transitioned into the automotive industry as a mechanic and later took on the role of vineyard foreman. Outside of work, Riaan is an avid cook, with a particular passion for BBQ. He enjoys perfecting his brisket smoking technique, and his enthusiasm for BBQ has earned him the nickname “We gonna braai tonight” from his friends. Riaan also has a few items on his bucket list, including attending a UFC event or an NFL game.