Marketing News South Africa

The Cape winelands come to Gauteng

A new wine concept to be launched in spring 2006 is intended to bring the Cape winelands to Gauteng. The Cellar d'Or lifestyle development in Sunninghill will showcase wines from more than 40 of the Cape's top wine producers and feature private and corporate cellaring opportunities, a wine academy, winery, restaurants and entertainment.

Conceptualised by businessman, Keith Kirby, Cellar d'Or is unique, in that the wine producers are also shareholders of the business. Kirby explains that Cellar d'Or is also intended as a tourist destination, as Gauteng is the South African entry point for the many visitors.

"These tourists will now be able to learn about wine production, savour and purchase wines and have a complete winelands experience, without having to travel to the Cape."

Kirby says they are currently offering companies the opportunity to be part of this development, by leasing a corporate suite, either individually or on a time-share basis. A suite will include a cellar and private lounge area for the enjoyment of Cellar d'Or shareholder wines, whilst providing a networking environment.

Cellar d'Or will implementing state-of-the-art climate controlled systems to provide owners with ideal storage conditions to ensure maximum preservation of the wines and retention of their investment value. There are only eight of these exclusive corporate suites available.

Members of the public who do not have storage facilities at home will also be able to join the 800-member Cellar d'Or wine club, where they can purchase and store wines in small cellars (72 bottles) or hire larger private cellars (600 bottles).

Cellar d'Or is already open for business with a virtual cellar. Wine connoisseurs visiting www.cellardor.co.za can now access information about Cellar d'Or shareholders' quality wines and make purchases in the comfort of their own home or office environment, to be delivered door-to-door.

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