Gabrielle Union is marking a deeply personal chapter from her latest trip to Cape Town, sharing a moving glimpse of the moment she laid her late father’s ashes to rest at Black-owned winery Klein Goederust.
Key takeaways
- Union posted a heartfelt video from Cape Town documenting her family’s tribute at Klein Goederust.
- The actress said the burial took place at the vineyard where she and her father’s side planted vines together as a family.
- Her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., died on 3 April 2026 at age 81 after a long battle with dementia.
- She previously marked her 50th birthday at the same winery in 2022, including time spent planting vines and learning about winemaking.
- During the trip, Union also explored Cape Town’s iconic spots, from beaches and sunsets to fashion and a penguin colony visit.
A tribute tied to family history
Taking to Instagram, Gabrielle Union shared an emotional reel that captures the gravity of the moment and the love surrounding it. The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans around the world, who praised her for choosing a place filled with family meaning.
In her caption, Union reflected on what made the experience so special: she described placing her dad’s ashes in Cape Town at a winery located beneath the vines her family planted together not long ago.
She then offered an extended tribute to her father, writing: “May you nourish the earth the way you nourished us. May the blessings be bountiful. May the abundance be wrapped in peace, kindness, and consideration. May the legacy continue.”
Gabrielle’s father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., passed away on 3 April 2026 at the age of 81, following years of battling dementia.
Returning to Klein Goederust
Union’s latest visit to Klein Goederust carried extra significance because of the bond her family has built with the winery over time. She explained that the relationship wasn’t new—her family has continued to stay connected to the estate through the years.
She previously celebrated her 50th birthday there in 2022. During that trip, the family spent time in the vineyard planting vines, taking part in winemaking discussions, and meeting the people behind the property.
Looking back on her return, Union shared another heartfelt note about revisiting the vineyard. She wrote that a few years earlier she came with her family to mark her milestone birthday—out among the vines planting, learning, and connecting with the location and the community behind it.
She added that coming back and seeing how much the winery has grown and changed since then was “really special,” and said tasting the fruit of the family’s labor made the moment even more meaningful. Union also remarked that along the way, the owners and their families became “like family” to them.
Cape Town stops and a “fun project”
Beyond the poignant family tribute, Union also took in more of Cape Town during her stay. She shared moments featuring the city’s famed beaches and sunsets, and she made time for a visit to local fashion destination AKJP Studio.
She also teased that she was working on a “fun project” with friends while in town.
Her itinerary included a stop at the well-known penguin colony, along with a visit connected to designer Thebe Magugu. Union highlighted that Magugu has recently joined forces with Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, to curate a luxury suite and concept store.
Fans respond to the meaning and the style
Followers praised Union for honoring her father in such a thoughtful way while also continuing to celebrate her connection to South Africa. Many noted how her posts reflected not just the scenery, but the culture, fashion, and experiences that make Cape Town such a memorable destination for her.
