The Jonker family has lived on Weltevrede since 1912. The estate was founded by Klaas Jonker, whose pioneering soul led him to plant the first vines in the area. In the 1930’s Weltevrede was inherited by his son, Japie Jonker, who in 1933 began wine farming on Weltevrede. Japie expanded the winery of Weltevrede to accommodate the growing grape production.

Philip Jonker is the fourth generation family winemaker of Weltevrede. He joined his father in 1997 after finishing his B.Sc. Agric degree at the University of Stellenbosch, majoring in Viticulture and Oenology. He and his wife, Lindelize, spent most of 1997 abroad, studying and working during the harvest season at Clos du Val Winery in the Napa Valley, California, and later at Chateau la Domenique, St Emilion, Bordeaux.