Jan Boone is a seasoned business leader with a passion for quality, craftsmanship and business growth, now taking on the role of co-owner of Colmant Cap Classique and Champagne.

Since 2011, Jan has led Lotus Bakeries Group as CEO, overseeing its evolution into a global, listed, family-owned business active in over 60 countries. With a portfolio spanning indulgent and natural snacking, Lotus is home to iconic brands such as Biscoff®, BEAR®, nākd®. Under his leadership, turnover grew from EUR 276 million to over EUR 1 billion by 2023, and the company now employs around 3,000 people globally.

Jan began his career at PwC before joining Omega Pharma, where he gained strategic and M&A experience as part of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He joined Lotus Bakeries in 2005 as General Manager and Director, quickly building a reputation for visionary leadership.

Beyond his corporate roles, Jan is Vice President and Shareholder of Club Brugge, a board member of Tomorrowland‘s events company, and served as Chairman of Animal Care Group (2017 – 2024).

With a legacy rooted in building premium brands and delivering excellence at scale, Jan brings his expertise to the world of Cap Classique, championing Colmant’s commitment to timeless elegance and artisanal mastery in every bottle.

Isabelle Maes brings deep expertise, strategic vision, and a passion for premium products to her role as co-owner of Colmant Cap Classique and Champagne.

With a strong foundation in finance, management, and global brand building, Isabelle currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Lotus Bakeries Group, a global, listed, family-owned food company. She is also CEO of its Natural Foods division, where she drives international growth for well-loved natural snacking brands such as BEAR®, nākd®, Kiddylicious® and TREK®

Isabelle began her career in auditing with PwC before joining Barry Callebaut in 2001, where she held key roles in finance and SAP implementation. In 2006, she was appointed Finance Officer for Barry Callebaut Belgium. She joined Lotus Bakeries in 2014 as CFO, later stepping into executive leadership as CEO of Natural Foods in 2017 and CMO of the Group in 2023 – shaping strategic direction and global marketing efforts across the business.

Isabelle also serves on the Board of Directors of Van de Velde, the renowned Belgian lingerie house. Her combined experience in finance, operations, and brand strategy brings a distinctive edge to Colmant’s next chapter.

With a passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and building enduring brands, Isabelle is proud to help shape Colmant’s future – where timeless elegance meets modern ambition.

Paul Gerber’s journey to Cap Classique mastery began in an unexpected place: the mathematics classroom.

A dedicated teacher with a passion for numbers, his path shifted after receiving a wine course as a gift from his future mother-in-law. There, Paul discovered the elegant interplay between mathematics, chemistry, and winemaking – an intersection that sparked a lifelong fascination.

Inspired, he left his teaching career behind and pursued Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, setting the foundation for a deep and deliberate exploration of sparkling wine.

Paul honed his craft through hands-on harvests in some of the world’s most revered wine regions – including Franciacorta in Italy, Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany and most notably, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in Champagne, France. It was in Le Mesnil that he worked alongside seasoned Champagne artisans, gaining rare insight into the finesse and precision of méthode traditionnelle winemaking.

Today, as Managing Director of Colmant Cap Classique Paul partners with Jan and Isabelle Boone to guide the estate’s evolution. Alongside winemaker Kalissa, he leads with a commitment to precision, patience, and innovation – ensuring each bottle is a true reflection of terroir, tradition, and the art of bubbles.

Kalissa de Kok is a rising talent in the world of Cap Classique, bringing fresh perspective, skill, and passion to the Colmant cellar.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Oenology from the prestigious Elsenburg Agricultural Institute, where her interest in sparkling wine was sparked through time spent with Cap Classique experts – including current Colmant winemaker Paul Gerber. This early exposure ignited a deep appreciation for the precision and artistry behind traditional method sparkling wines.

Since graduating in 2022, Kalissa has worked across multiple cellars, intentionally immersing herself in diverse harvest experiences to deepen her understanding of Cap Classique. Her dedication to continuous learning and excellence makes her an exciting addition to the Colmant team.

Today, Kalissa works alongside Paul and the Colmant cellar team, where her enthusiasm and growing expertise help shape every bottle with care, craft, and a shared vision for quality.

Raised in the heart of Franschhoek, Amy brings an authentic warmth and a deep-rooted love for the region to her role at Colmant Cap Classique.

With a natural talent for hospitality and a passion for connecting with people, she plays a vital role in managing both imports and exports, while also curating exceptional guest experiences at the estate.

While she is meticulous in overseeing the administrative and logistical aspects of the business, her true passion lies in storytelling – welcoming guests into the tasting room and guiding them through the journey of Cap Classique with insight, charm, and enthusiasm. She delights in sharing the craftsmanship, history, and heart behind each bottle, turning every visit into a meaningful encounter with the Colmant brand.

Driven by her love for her community, the land, and the art of winemaking, she sees each guest interaction as an opportunity to celebrate Colmant’s heritage. Her commitment to personalised service and memorable experiences ensures that every visitor leaves not just with a taste of exceptional sparkling wine, but with a lasting connection to the people and passion behind it.

Schalk’s journey with Colmant Cap Classique has been one defined by passion, precision, and a steadfast commitment to crafting exceptional sparkling wines.

His deep connection to the estate, its people, and its philosophy is unmistakable – rooted in years of hands-on experience and a geniune belief in the brand’s pursuit of excellcence.

After time away gaining valuable industry perspective, Schalk returns to Colmant with renewed energy and an even deeper appreciation for the art of Cap Classique. His return marks a significant moment for the estate as it builds on its legacy with bold ideas and fresh momentum.

“I am delighted to be back at Colmant, working alongside Paul and the Boone family,” says Schalk. “My passion for this brand has only grown stronger during my time away, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success.”

Bringing both institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking spirit, Schalk’s presence signals a new era for Colmant – one where tradition meets innovation, and where every bottle continues to reflect the dedication of a team driven by excellence.