We have seen more than 50 people come through the doors at wine.co.za since 1996, some staying for just a few days and others for over 20 years!
We really are a family and wanted to share some of their thoughts about what it is like to work here...
Leroy Matthee is our current PYDA intern, and with COVID making the world a different place, he has been with us now for nearly 2 years in our Content Team (usually a 12 month internship). Leroy will be looking for his next job in the winelands soon if anyone is looking for someone.
It feels like a lifetime of enjoying my work at wine.co.za.
Niel Theron is our most recent addition to the wine.co.za family and he jumped in after the madness during lockdown and we are blown away by his ability to pick up anything and make it work.
I started working at wine.co.za during the alcohol ban of June 2020. It was an absolute whirlwind start, a baptism of fire. The staff made it easy to adapt and I felt at home straight away.
I really enjoy working for wine.co.za. We have the freedom to express ourselves, in every possible way, albeit feelings, emotions or just creative business ideas. The company has a family culture and the staff really care about each other. In my short time working here, I have learnt so much - skills and knowledge which are beneficial to my career and future. I look forward to coming to work, and this is something I cherish, especially in times like this. I feel privileged to be a part of the wine.co.za team.
I have no doubt that wine.co.za will continue to grow and stay on the forefront of helping the South African wine industry grow and develop.
To another 25 years, CHEERS!
Suheena Williamson has been with us for only 2 years and it feels like she has always owned our Shop. She keeps our customers happy and the Online Shop is buzzing!
I have been with Wine.co.za for almost 2 years and I feel tremendously blessed to work for such amazing people such as Judy & Kevin. The team(which actually feels like family) they have put together is phenomenal and the working environment is pleasant. I can't wait to see what we do over the next 25 years!!!!
Xanthe Leak stepped in a few years back when our bookkeeper Adele really needed help, and her assistance has been invaluable. Thanks Xanthe for saving Adele from losing her mind!
Working at a place like wine.co.za is like being part of a small family. We are all encouraged to build & better ourselves each and every month, there for you in more trying moments, and treat you as an individual & important part of this team
Niel, Leroy, Michelle, Garth, Judy, Adele, Xanthe, Suheena, Kevin & Trudie
Trudie Webb has been and gone and come back and we love her quirky sense of humour and effortlessly ensuring that News and Content just keep happening without a fuss!
I often crack a joke about wanting an early retirement but being part of wine.co.za is a rewarding experience. It's been an incredible learning journey so far and amazing to work for a company with a culture of caring. We work hard and sometimes get to play hard too (Friday office wine tastings for the win!), all as a team.
Adéle Dixon is our very efficient, loyal and dedicated bean counter. We would never be able to keep wine.co.za going without her!
Many moons ago, I met this very bubbly & enthusiastic cast member at a local drama society, which turned out to be Judy from wine.co.za (& the then Winescape magazine). A few months later I received this phone call out of the blue from Judy… “Are you still looking for work… we have a position open for a bookkeeper?”
The very next day I went for a very relaxed interview with Kevin & Judy. And just the day after I was employed! That was March 2007 & 14 years later, I am still here & loving every moment of it.
There’s a constant flow of energy in the office. Whether it is sitting around a table brainstorming ideas, sharing the workload or being included in decision making, you feel more than just a staff member. And of course, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to food & wine at the office.
I am proud to be part of the wine.co.za team. Wishing wine.co.za many more happy wine-filled years!
Grateful, loved & valued….. that’s me: Adéle x(aka CBC: Chief Bean Counter)
Garth Hapgood-Strickland stepped in years ago and does all our winery websites, graphic design and artwork. When we need a good eye on things - Garth is our man!
When I reflect over the past 15 and half years, I am grateful to Kevin & Judy for pushing in the places where it was needed. I have personally grown immensely and learnt so much on my journey at wine.co.za, changing many hats along the way.
I have many wonderful memories, not to mention all the great food and wine shared over many a laugh!
Our longest standing team member is Michelle Ladewig, who has been here longer than me, in fact! She has done everything at wine.co.za and her blitz-vinnig work, attention to detail and good service are well-respected in the industry.
It has been an amazing journey to work under bosses who are also friends. Working for wine.co.za for more than half of my life is testament to the most wonderful and stimulating work experience and has been one of the best decisions I ever made. Thank you for everything and cheers to our continued success!
And a few words from some of our staff from years gone by:
When we first operated wine.co.za from Hout Bay we needed someone to answer the phone, and along came Ali Rowley- with her MY OFFICE company, and when our phone rang when we were out, she could pick it up from her office then in Somerset West! She was our virtual secretary then and some years later, she popped in to our home in Somerset West and we employed her on the spot! She ran our first online shop and wine club - and what a treat she was. Come back Ali!
25 years, wow, that's a fantastic achievement, congratulations to you, Kevin and all the team!!
I've had the privilege of working for Judy and Kevin, not once, but twice. Firstly answering their phones in the very early days of Wine.co.za and then working on the first incarnation of the 'shop' then called 'wineseller.co.za'. Had I still been in RSA, I like to think I'd still be working with them in some way or another. A great place to be with great people.... roll on the next 25 years!!
One of our longest standing team members was Sarah Papenfus, who stepped in to see to our clients across the winelands, and relieved me so that I could start Winescape Magazine.
I was very fortunate enough to work for Wine.co.za for 7 years – it was the perfect introduction and welcoming to the Wine Industry.
Spent many enjoyable years of tasting and meeting some amazing people in the industry. It was an absolute priviledge to work with Judy & Kevin and to this day have remained great friends.
Can’t wait to see what you have planned for the next 25 years …….!!!
We really are blessed to have had so many wonderful people working at wine.co.za through the years, and honour each and every one of them for their contribution.
People make a difference in this world, and we really want to thank each and every single person who has contributed to the continued success of wine.co.za.
To see more about our month of celebrations - click HERE