Karli Loubser is the DTC sales and marketing coordinator at uniWines Beverages, where she has been part of the team since 2015. With 11 years of experience in the wine industry at uniWines, Karli brings a strong combination of sales, marketing, hospitality, finance and brand experience to her role. Before joining uniWines, she worked as a tasting room manager at Wellington Wines.
As DTC sales and marketing coordinator, Karli is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations at The Lounge at Sneeukop, uniWines' tasting room, ensuring that every customer has a positive and memorable experience. "I develop and implement promotional campaigns to grow both our online presence and Sneeukop's physical presence as a destination for wine, food and hospitality," she says.
"I also manage sales to trade and redistribution clients, including coordinating orders and ensuring the safe and efficient arrival of stock. Additionally, I manage all overseas sample shipments, handling the logistics and coordination to ensure samples reach their destinations safely and on time."
Passionate about the wine industry and its people, Karli thrives on building connections and creating memorable experiences for consumers. She has a keen understanding of the challenges facing the industry, particularly as changing economic conditions influence consumers’ spending habits and purchasing decisions.
Karli is also passionate about identifying emerging trends, with RTD (ready-to-drink) beverages and low- and no-alcohol wines becoming increasingly important in the market. uniWines is responding to these changing preferences through new RTD developments and the launch of BAIA, a low-alcohol Cape Verdizzante wine.
BAIA Cape Verdizzante is South Africa’s take on the Portuguese Vinho Verde style – a fresh, vibrant and easy-drinking wine with a naturally lower alcohol and a delicate, refreshing bubble. The BAIA range consists of two wines: Branco/White and Rosé. Light, crisp and beautifully versatile, they're made for sunny days, coastal moments and effortless enjoyment.
When asked about her favourite wines in the uniWines portfolio, she immediately listed the Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec and DaschBosch The Gift Red Blend.
She is particularly proud of the visitor experience at The Lounge at Sneeukop, which she describes as a “home away from home”. Here, guests can enjoy unique wine pairings with nougat in winter and wine-and-ice-cream pairings during summer.
For Karli, the wine industry is ultimately about people, creativity and embracing change. Her advice to women considering a career in wine is to embrace the opportunities the industry offers to express yourself, grow, and live in the moment alongside the ever-changing seasons of wine.