René Santhagens

Renier 'René' Van Eibergen Santhagens founded Oude Molen and pioneered Cognac-style brandy production in South Africa. After studying chemical engineering at the University of Brussels and learning brandy-making in France, he acquired the Oude Molen farm in 1909 and produced his first fine brandy there in 1910. His methods influenced South Africa's Wine and Spirits Act of 1924, and he is widely regarded as the father of South African brandy. He died in 1937.