His prize consists of 6btls Creation Bordeaux Blend (retail value = 750 ZAR) and 6btls Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc (retail value = 450 ZAR) delivered to his door courtesy of Wineweb and Cape Grape & Wine Company!

Andrew’s label design was appealing to me in that it was completely original, by means of a minimalist approach that was daring yet effective. Andrew’s innovative design is shown below.

So, do ladies label best? Unfortunately, that remains slightly inconclusive as there were no female entrants! Disappointing ladies J

Cheers!

Brandon Marc

I’m a man of science, of statistics and objective scrutinization. So when it comes to wine consumption statistics, I tend to take them to heart. In 2008, global wine consumption shrunk by almost 5%. This was predominantly due to reduced consumption in the ‘traditional’ wine producing regions.

However, it’s not all bad news as global wine exports increased by a substantial 37% in 2008, suggesting the accelerated globalization of the wine industry. This means that even though people are drinking less wine, wine produced in one region is becoming more available to foreign markets.

Then there is the more subjective approach to analyzing the current state of the global wine market. In my humble opinion wine as a global ‘brand’ is as healthy as can be. I see more people buying wine, talking about wine, more wine in the general media, wine online, wine accessories… I can go on and on. In reality, wine is as popular as ever.

So although statistics paint a rather dismal picture for global wine consumption, the feeling is more positive on the ground. I suppose one could call it the wine consumption conundrum J

Cheers! 

Brandon Marc         

One such example of innovation comes from South Africa’s very own Darling wine district, and stands as testament to the resourceful nature of South African people. Groote Post Vineyards have released a Chardonnay Noble Late Harvest… the result of an unintentional twist in viticulture.

A small section of Groote Post Chardonnay vineyards developed a Botrytis infection resulting in the subsequent production of a Noble Late Harvest, rather than the intended Chardonnay.

Though some might disagree, I consider instances like these examples of innovation rather that desperation. It’s comforting to know that mere expressions of creativity can promote such improved efficiency, in times when we need it most!

Cheers!

Brandon Marc        

So, do ladies label best? Well, keep a look out for the winning label, published exclusively on My Wine Cellar!

Cheers!

Brandon Marc

It’s no wonder that, in its category, Roodeberg was elected ‘best red box of the year 2007’ and ‘best value for money’ in the Swedish market. Quite a feat since Roodeberg is the second most expensive in its category. It is without question that Roodeberg have used an aggressive marketing campaign in Sweden to attain a healthy market share.

‘…that South African wine labels have a distinct advantage in the current economic climate, considering that South Africa offers quality wines at globally competitive price points.’

In today’s consumer market strategic marketing campaigns like these can give a brand the boost it needs to penetrate a market. It came as no surprise when I saw that Roodeberg was the sole sponsor of the South African Embassy’s recent Freedom Day cocktail evening at the World Trade Center in Stockholm. A guest list of dignitaries and the like all connected to South Africa in some way or another, provided Roodeberg with a definitive target market. Strategic marketing at it’s best.

 However, as I have mentioned before, I believe that South African wine labels have a distinct advantage in the current economic climate, considering that South Africa offers quality wines at globally competitive price points. This, together with a bit of marketing, can surely go a long way to gain valuable market share.

I hope that after seeing the success of Roodeberg, it won’t be long before other South African wine labels follow suit. I’ll keep my eyes open…

Cheers!

Brandon Marc  

I find this regular interview particularly entertaining, as it’s fascinating to see how hard people try to answer the questions ‘correctly’. The interview in this edition of WINE Magazine is rather refreshing, as when Giniel de Villiers is asked which bottle of wine first made sense and why, he simply answers ‘A bottle of Tassenberg as a student’. Honesty can go a long way :) 

Thank you Giniel, and My Wine Cellar congratulates you on your Dakar Rally win!

Cheers!

Brandon Marc

It should come as no surprise then, that, to many the idea of having your own vineyard is a most attractive one. However, there’s one dominant factor that limits the ability of the average person to attain such prized property. Vineyards are expensive… very expensive. Added to this they require time, attention and very specific skills that are necessary to produce quality wines.

If an individual doesn’t possess any of the above mandatory requirements, then how are you to fullfil a dream of vineyard ownership? Thankfully, I’ve recently stumbled across Barrington’s Vineyards with a system that enables the average Joe, like you and me, to realize our viticultural dreams!

With Barrington’s Vineyards one is afforded the opportunity to lease vineyard lots at relatively affordable rates, subsequently taking ownership of the wine produced from your vines. This wine can either be sold, courtesy of Barrington’s Vineyards, for profit or simply enjoyed in your own time. The choice is yours!

The Vineyards we deal with are reputable, well established in the retail marketplace and can easily be researched – Jim Drew

Sure, I’ve heard of similar ‘rent-a-vine’ business models before, but none quite as comprehensive as the concept offered by Barrington’s Vineyards. Value-adding services such as personalized vineyard photography, vineyard visit facilitation from anywhere in the world and custom bottle labelling are just some of the services on offer. Furthermore, lots can currently be leased in a number of world famous wine growing regions including South Africa, California, France, Spain, Italy and Australia.

The man behind the unique concept is Jim Drew, who identified a demand for such a system during casual conversation with family and friends. Jim is the founder of www.fuzzybrush.com, a global company from where he has extended into other business ventures. Based in London, Jim is passionate about his thriving new concept, which was launched in early 2007 and has grown organically ever since.   

But how exactly does it work? Here’s my guide to getting started with Barrington’s Vineyards, and bringing your dream vineyard to fruition: 

1)     Select a region in which you would like to lease a vineyard lot, or perhaps numerous lots in numerous regions.

2)     Select your lots and enter a lease agreement with Barrington’s Vineyards for a 1, 2 or 3 year period. Each lot consists of 200 vines and can produce approximately 275 bottles of high quality wine.

3)     Interact with your vineyards through personalized vineyard photography, or by utilizing Barrington’s to arrange private or group visits from anywhere in the world.

4)     Once your lease agreement has matured, claim your produce in the form of your very own vintage.

5)     Decide to keep your prized wine, perhaps with personalized labels, or have Barrington’s sell all, or a portion of it, for profit. One can realize profit share of up to 36%.

Barrington’s Vineyards have developed a simple concept that has created a unique interface between the wine industry and the consumer. Such a relationship where the consumer benefits directly through profit sharing, and whereby the wine farm in question is able to maintain a reliable source of income.

Whether it is for profit or pleasure, the opportunity to become directly involved in the wine industry has never been easier!

For more information contact the Barrington’s Vineyards London office on +44(0)2076920664 or client@barringtonsvines.com. Alternatively, find more information on the Barrington’s website at www.barringtonsvineyards.com.

Cheers!

Brandon Marc

Unfortunately, there’s not much of a ‘wine culture’ up here in Scandinavia. I’m continually frustrated when I search for wine tastings in Stockholm. Sure, one might find one or two during a month, but these tastings are generally dominated by over-priced French classics, and mostly attended by seniors.

‘It is in this market sector where the potential lies, and perhaps if wine labels would realize this fact, then we’d have more selection available.’

There is a growing gap in the market for wine tastings and similar events aimed at the young sophisticated wine enthusiast, where one can gain a more global appreciation of wine. It is in this market sector where the potential lies, and perhaps if wine labels would realize this fact, then we’d have more selection available.

What is encouraging is that the traditional Swedish culture previously dominated by Vodka and Beer has in recent times slowly started to fade. Perhaps it is time the South African wine industry took advantage of the situation?

Cheers! 

Brandon Marc

The closing date for the My Wine Cellar Ladies Label Best competition is 31^st May 2009… show us what you got!

Cheers!

Brandon Marc

Champagne… or at least Cap du Classique

‘Perhaps the only thing I’ve ever acquired from Champagne is a hangover.’

I’ve never been a big Champagne drinker, a glass here and there at a cocktail party perhaps, but nothing more. It’s just because, until now, Champagne has never grabbed me. Perhaps the only thing I’ve ever acquired from Champagne is a hangover J 

So I took the opportunity this past New Years to try two Champagne labels, one relatively new label and the other Villiera Brut Natural. Before I knew it, the New Year was in, and the sound of popping champagne resonated around us.

Armed with my two bottles of Champagne, my accomplice and I had an impromptu Champagne tasting that resulted in a landslide victory for team Villiera. I was in love. To me the champagne was extraordinarily balanced, crisp yet creamy, dry yet with a reassuring softness. It’s quite honestly, the best champagne I’ve tasted to date.

What is more fascinating, is that the Villiera was better priced compared to its ill-performing counterpart. What more could you ask for!?

Cheers!

Brandon Marc