Archive for January, 2012

South Africa’s Rainbow Nation title refers to the incredible diversity of its people, from the original Bushmen inhabitants of the land to the people who migrated and settled here over the years. There is hardly a nation on Earth that is not in some way represented in this diverse country.

The term Rainbow Nation of South Africa found popular appeal from the moment Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu first used it to capture the multicultural nature of our country.

It is not just the people that are diverse in this amazing country. South African climate, soil and wine growing conditions are different from region to region as the wide range of bio-diversity affects wine production.

It has often been noted that the Cape winelands are probably the most scenic in the world. For this reason wine tourism is one of the country’s growing industries. Offering a range of topographical pleasures ranging from high, snowy mountains to arid plains, arrangements for tourists are becoming more and more sophisticated in the various regions

Iconic and award winning Kumkani wines exemplify the rich traditions and cultures of South Africa. The grapes are mainly produced in the Darling and Stellenbosch areas and cellar tastings can be done at our Welmoed cellar.

Source: southafrica.net

The company of wine people TM is pleased to announce a restructure of its Kumkani brand as a Black owned business with a strong commercial focus to grow sales in both the local and international markets.

Allison S Adams-Witbooi, a former winemaker at Stellenbosch Wine Services, has agreed to form a 50/50 partnership with the Company to grow the brand and take it in a new direction. Her co-ownership of the brand will make it a Black owned brand within the wine industry, allowing it access to the network of Black owned businesses with its resources to grow in international markets.

Adams-Witbooi (30) has demonstrated considerable leadership capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit while employed at the company of wine peopleTM and its Board feels her demonstrated enthusiasm and personality are key in her steering Kumkani to new heights. In addition, her winemaking background is an important capability in dealing with wine buyers, consumers and the media.

“We believe the Kumkani brand, with its positioning of African sophistication, is the ideal vehicle for such a partnership,” says CEO of the company of wine peopleTM, Hermann Böhmer. “This new development also demonstrates our strong commitment to empowerment as well as the entrepreneurial development of the talent within our company.”

Adams-Witbooi has an extensive background in working in the wine industry. She completed harvest seasons at Rustenberg, Grootte Post and Hartenberg, and worked in cellars and tasting venues while still a student. After graduation, she also worked for The Winery of Good Hope, Meinert Wines and Wines of South Africa (Wosa). Stints overseas at wineries in Northern Italy and the South of France gave her some insight into the international wine scene. She was appointed at the company of wine peopleTM in 2009.

“This road has lead me to get to know the industry, its players and consumers of the product,” she says. “I’m looking forward to this new challenge. I see a lot of potential for growth and I want to ensure a consistency in Kumkani’s quality.”

One thing that will not change, is the brand’s South African identity. “Kumkani is uniquely South African and it is going to remain so, from the varietal choices to the packaging. My vision is that people will be proud to drink the wine and be associated with it.”

The venture will be called Kumkani Wines and it will be operated as a division of the company of wine peopleTM, who will serve as a mentor to Allison. She will, supported by the Company, be responsible for all sales and marketing and be the primary face of the brand to wine buyers, consumers, industry bodies and the media. Initially, her sales focus will be on the South African market. In turn, Wine People will take responsibility for all financial and administration functions. She will work closely with the winemaking team and be involved in approving the wine styles in the brand’s portfolio.

the company of wine people TM expresses its confidence in this new partnership to present Kumkani to both the local and overseas market as a modern, intriguing, top quality wine with pedigree and status. Click here for more information on Kumkani