Partnership produces black-owned wine brand

The venture will be called Kumkani Wines and it will be operated as a division of the company of wine people, which will serve as a mentor to her. She will be responsible for all sales and marketing and be the primary face of the brand to wine buyers, consumers, industry bodies and the media.

Her co-ownership of the brand will make it a black owned brand within the wine industry, allowing it access to the network of black owned businesses with resources to grow in international markets.

Adams-Witbooi has demonstrated considerable leadership capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit while employed at the company of wine people and its board feels her demonstrated enthusiasm and personality are key in her steering Kumkani to new heights. In addition, her winemaking background is an important capability in dealing with wine buyers, consumers and the media.

"We believe the brand, with its positioning of African sophistication, is the ideal vehicle for such a partnership," says CEO, Hermann Böhmer. "This new development also demonstrates our strong commitment to empowerment as well as the entrepreneurial development of the talent within our company."

Adams-Witbooi has an extensive background in working in the wine industry. She completed harvest seasons at Rustenberg, Groote Post and Hartenberg and worked in cellars and tasting venues while still a student. After graduation, she also worked for The Winery of Good Hope, Meinert Wines and Wines of South Africa. Stints overseas at wineries in Northern Italy and the South of France gave her some insight into the international wine scene. She was appointed at the company of wine people in 2009.

"This has led me to get to know the industry, its players and consumers of the product," she says. "I'm looking forward to this new challenge. I see a lot of potential for growth and I want to ensure a consistency in the brand's quality."

One thing that will not change is the brand's South African identity. "It is South African and it is going to remain so, from the varietal choices to the packaging. My vision is that people will be proud to drink the wine and be associated with it."

Initially, her sales focus will be on the South African market, working closely with the winemaking team and be involved in approving the wine styles in the brand's portfolio.

Derived from the Xhosa word meaning 'king', the brand is an award-winning range comprising premium single varietals including a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Shiraz, as well as the Infinity, a sparkling wine in the Cap Classique style.

For more information, go to www.kumkani.com.