CHARLES WITHINGTON - Then Backsberg, now The Darling Wine Shop
The Golf that said it all
It was 1996 and I was GM at Backsberg. Having made an appointment earlier, a smart red Citi Golf drives up into the parking area and a young Judy Brower alights - both car and driver well matched – and a clear indication that something innovative is about to unfold.
Judy then introduced their novel idea of getting wine onto the internet in South Africa, and I so clearly remember the three tiers of initial promotional opportunity offered - a sort of First, Business and Economy class. Their visionary approach also had them offering a very simple listing, free or at a nominal cost, for ALL wineries. Remember, this was soon after the release of Nelson Mandela and export markets were rolling, we really needed a good platform to be able to communicate effectively world-wide.
Whilst both car and driver have put on miles since that initial meeting, the wine.co.za team of Judy and Kevin has remained, unchanged. Always cheerful, always helpful, and regarded and respected as the most unassuming and down to earth people on the local "media circuit".
Indeed – the ethos goes right back to the little red Citi Golf – CA 646 757 and indicative of just how “un-flashy” Judy and Kevin have always been. Hard working, committed and solid – these are the sort of people that provide the backbone to the wine business.
It is the ethos of this team that has attracted the wonderful staff they have had over the years. Thank you, each and every one of you, for adding so much to this dynamically challenging wine world in which we try to make a living - you are an example to all.
SOUTH AFRICAN SOMMELIERS ASSOCIATION (SASA)
At the time of wine.co.za's 15th birthday in 2011, the South African Sommelier Association (SASA) was new on the scene, and wine.co.za has covered our growth and achievements since our inception.
From board and member profiles to showcasing our tastings and sharing our exuberance as more Sommeliers become certified.
In 2017, SASA became an official member of the ASI, and wine.co.za covered the story. Subsequently, we now have three ASI Diploma holders, Jean-Vincent Ridon, Joakim Blackadder-Immenkamp, and current SASA Chairperson Spencer Fondaumiere. wine.co.za has helped spread the word all along the way.
Facing our most challenging year, 2020, we still welcomed a record 97 new certified Junior Sommeliers. Thank you to wine.co.za for sharing our excitement.
This year we will be hosting the Best Sommelier in South Africa competition, and we know wine.co.za will be front row to cheer on the candidates.
Thank you for your efforts, and cheers to 25 years and many more ahead!
HIGGO JACOBS - Strauss & Co
Wow, 25 years!
I browsed through some old pics hoping to find pictures of the first Sommelier Shootouts at Tokara. I know you were there.They were great fun evenings.
For me what jumps to top of mind are the selfless contributions you and Kevin made to help establish SASA in the early years. Kevin assisted with hosting and developing the SASA website, and you were literally our photographer, media correspondent, and PR chief! We couldn't have done it without your support.
Thanks again!
TANYA BEUTLER - Cape Town Wine Hub
Can hardly believe it’s been 25 years!
It might sound strange but the biggest impact that wine.co.za had on me personally was announcing Juliet’s birth as a news item 18 years ago. It caused such a positive loving experience with all the well wishes from far and near. I still have that article in printed format in her baby album.
Other than that, the impact you have had on the industry has been massive. wine.co.za is THE platform to go to for anything South African Wine. Whether you need a contact number, need to know who the winemaker is of an establishment, need to sell a basket press or buy in some bulk wine, advertising new positions or offer services, wine.co.za is my go to site. I honestly believe that our industry wouldn’t be where it is without you! I know that your main business has always been to produce websites and sell advertising but the extras on your site is what really has given many in our industry an opportunity to develop and grow.
Wishing you a very happy 25th Birthday! Thank you for all that you have contributed to our industry!
Follow our birthday fun HERE
