(Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Pierre de Wet owns and operates KE Bushman’s, an impressive venue designed to accommodate corporate meetings, weddings and even full-scale musical performances, located near Bullard off of Highway 69. Almost everyone who lives or works near Bullard has heard of Kiepersol Estates Winery - and for good reason.

Since 1997 they have been making a name for themselves with their own line of award-winning wines, an elegant restaurant, and a charming bed and breakfast - all within two miles of downtown Bullard.

Founder Pierre de Wet recently opened his newest venture called KE Bushman’s, an impressive venue designed to accommodate corporate meetings, weddings and even full-scale musical performances.

“I felt East Texas was really lacking something like this,” said de Wet. “Our goal was to leave no stone unturned and give our guests something really special. I am proud to say I think we have accomplished just that.”

(Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Pierre de Wit is the owner of KE Bushman’s, which is part of the Kiepersol Estates Winery. The facility can accommodate meetings, weddings and more. De Wet counts on the efforts of his two daughters (who live in the area) to assist in the various day-to-day operations of the company. His eldest daughter, Marnelle, is the head winemaker and explained her father’s motivation behind KE Bushman’s.

“My dad is passionate about winemaking and passionate about music. His Ipod is simply packed with almost every genre. KE Bushman’s is a product of his passions,” she said.

Indeed, KE Bushman’s is quite an accomplishment, complete with a 1,300 square foot soundstage, a profes- sional sound system with lighting, dressing rooms for performers, a massive seating area and three large wine bars serving up Kiepersol’s own vintages. For musicians wishing to record, there’s even a fully-equipped, professional recording studio - all on-site.

KE Bushman’s food offerings are equally impressive. They have partnered with Traditions Restaurant of Tyler to satisfy a wide variety of catering needs. “We’re perfectly equipped to host almost any type of meeting or event,” said de Wet. “Our relationship with Traditions will allow us to offer our guests everything from barbecue to caviar. We will be able to serve up anything from breakfast to a seven-course dinner.”

Without doubt, KE Bushman’s is a welcome addition to the East Texas entertainment landscape, the likes of which have not been seen in the area for a long while. It seems that de Wet is poised to add this latest accomplishment to his growing list of successes.

KE Bushman’s is located on Highway 69, one mile south of Bullard. For more information, visit kiepersol.com or call (903) 894-7505.