Muratie’s sixth owner from 1743-1748 brought a fair dose of French flair to the farm, something that is reflected in the refinement of this distinctive wine. Unlike his father, a short-tempered man who was a feared militiaman and leader of the movement against hated Governor WA van der Stel, Hercules the Third had a calm, composed demeanour. He was the first South African-born owner of Muratie who could read and write (French and Dutch) – writing poetry and practising calligraphy were some of his favourite hobbies. After an eventful childhood with his father’s involvement in political tumult, the younger Hercules enjoyed Muratie’s restful way of life and was active in the church as a deacon.