Hannes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Stellenbosch, majoring in English, French, Philosophy and Political Science. His work on the farm started officially in 1982, following several stints on wine estates abroad including Von Oetinger in Germany and Château Lafite in Bordeaux.

Rubicon, the unique Bordeaux–wine blend of Meerlust, was released to international acclaim in 1980. Nicolas Myburgh was looking for an appropriate name as he believed that he had reached the “point of no return” with this wine and could only go forward. Julius Caesar is supposed to have said “Alea iacta est” (The die is cast) as he led his troops towards Rome in 49BC. The crucial border of the ancient capital was the Rubicon River, and the decision to cross it marked an irrevocable point in history.

The Myburgh Family Trust has initiated a progressive farm workers project in which the workers are shareholders in a wine storage and labelling facility offering services to the local wine industry and Meerlust. In addition, the Meerlust Foundation, in conjunction with the Sustainability Institute, provides a safe and stimulating environment for the children of the farm workers.