Eat Out San Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Chef of the Year 2019, Bertus Basson, has a food philosophy rooted in traditional South African food culture with a modern outlook. Bertus is famed for the remarkable success of Overture, which he established as chef and owner in 2007. This picturesque winelands restaurant has been awarded prestigious accolades from the Eat Out guide and Rossouw’s Restaurant guide. Since 2007, Overture has grown into a family of restaurants that now includes Eike, Spek & Bone, Geuwels, Clara’s Barn, De Vrije Burger in Stellenbosch, and The Deck on the farm at Hidden Valley.

As a chef, Bertus advocates believing in what you do, as well as having faith and confidence in your produce. His commitment to great food made with fresh, local ingredients, and an acute attention to detail is the key to the culinary success for which he is highly regarded. He sees his work as an important responsibility – to express South African heritage, and creatively tell the stories of our history, our people and our food.

Bertus is a popular television personality, bringing his years of experience to the table with series including In Die Sop: Restaurant Evolusie and Sjefhuis, as well as The Ultimate Braai Master, Brood en Botter and Goed, Beter, Bertus.