by Dan Traucki (Wine Assist) | 2 Apr, 2019 | Opinion
The Australian wine industry has always seemed to be mono-focused, when we first started to export seriously it was the UK, then the USA, and more recently/now China. The question is, is it time to find another country to focus on? I think so, for the last five...
What’s the best way to spend a fruitful day in the Winelands? Winner of the coveted 2018 Veritas Young Wine Writer of the Year, Llewellyn Lambert, gives his suggestions for tourists about planning such a day. How to get the most out of a mere 24 hours in the...
American writer Mark Twain once said: “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” For Cathy Marston and Dr Erna Blanquaert, these words couldn’t be more apt. Cathy is not only a celebrated wine writer, she’s also an associate of the...
It may be flattering to have your brand copied, but besides stealing from your sales volumes, counterfeits rob your brand of its valued and hard-earned integrity. Building a brand is an intensive and expensive exercise and having a successful brand takes a great deal...
These days, being good at selling is not just about having a quality product, strong brand, sizeable marketing budget and loads of charm. It’s about having a global reference, understanding a new generation of consumers and keeping up with technology. In the demanding...
With the ongoing negative sentiment around the profitability of wine in South Africa, the South African wine industry needs to find something that will restore confidence in its ability to be successful. Such confidence requires credible and responsible leadership...
Christmas comes twice a year in the Boland, with the historic town of Tulbagh – the fourth oldest town in South Africa – coming alive at the annual Christmas in Winter festival on 23 and 24 June this year. The festival gives everyone the chance to...
by Alexandra Edwards, Wine of the Month | 28 May, 2018 | Blog, Lifestyle, Opinion
The Winelands are home to an array of picturesque wine estates and cellars that are the perfect destination for a chilly winter’s day. It’s the time of year that calls for all things cozy. Think roaring fires, warm coats, gourmet meals and a rich, full-bodied glass...
By the time it was Eben Sadie’s turn to address those gathered for the recent SASEV post-harvest workshop, there didn’t seem to be much left to say. Expert speakers had covered the 2018 harvest from every angle. The programme simply listed his topic, somewhat...
by Alexandra Edwards, Wine of the Month | 17 May, 2018 | Blog, Lifestyle, Opinion
In recent years, fine wine has become an increasingly lucrative investment. According to the Knight Frank Luxury Index, the world’s super-rich are collecting bottles of the world’s finest vintages more than ever before. Wine has even overtaken collectable cars as a...
by Alexandra Edwards, Wine of the Month | 4 May, 2018 | Blog, Lifestyle, Opinion
The Beginner’s Guide to Tasting Champagne Champagne has long been associated with special occasions. The pop of a cork and sparkling flutes filled with crisp, light bubbles go hand in hand with any celebration. While many of us enjoy a glass of champagne during...
by Riekie de Jager & Roland Peens | 2 May, 2018 | Opinion
Riekie de Jager, National Wine Buyer, Makro Liquor Tailored ranges, creative merchandising and in-store advice inspire brick-and-mortar wine purchasing Makro operates 21 stores covering all major metropolitan areas in South Africa, plus the outer regions of Polokwane,...
