Wine Cellar – Fine Wine Merchants and Cellarers – has taken a series of major leaps forward this year as part of an ongoing effort to lead wine expertise in South Africa. As well as launching a sophisticated ecommerce website, the online wine merchant has expanded its team of experts to include renowned wine judge and Platter’s taster James Pietersen, who has been appointed as South African Portfolio Manager.
Formerly Head Sommelier for the Slick Restaurant Group, James Pietersen has been a Platter’s Guide taster since 2007 and regularly judges high-profile wine competitions such as the Old Mutual Trophy Show and the Christian Eedes Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay Reports. He joins the company’s two leading experts: Director Roland Peens, a respected industry figure and experienced wine judge; and Gauteng Manager Debi van Flymen, a professional food and beverage entrepreneur who recently qualified as a Cape Wine Master. Van Flymen completed the 5-year Cape Wine Master programme earlier in 2014, becoming one of only 88 candidates to graduate since 1984.
The team’s expansion this year coincides with the launch of Wine Cellar’s new ecommerce website, which lists an extensive selection of wines from 5 continents and 81 fine wine regions. It also features a Wine Knowledge section, with detailed information on key regions and grape varieties, as well as food and wine pairing advice.
Director Roland Peens commented:
‘As fine wine specialists, knowledge and expertise are of utmost importance at Wine Cellar. We strive to expand our customers’ horizons by offering cutting-edge local and imported wines, but also by providing insightful, informative content and recommendations. With James’ expansive knowledge of South African wine, he is a great fit and will certainly help drive our efforts forward.’
Wine Cellar’s online selection includes the rarest of South African wines, such as George Spies Cabernet Sauvignon 1966, vintage Vin de Constance as well as Jaubert Muscat 1800 – the country’s most expensive, oldest and most highly rated wine. The vast majority of wines are available as single bottles with no minimum order, and shoppers receive free delivery on orders over R1,500 (main centres only).
About Wine Cellar
Wine Cellar is one of South Africa’s foremost fine wine merchants. The company offers the finest local and international wines online, and also specialises in wine events and cellaring. Visit www.winecellar.co.za for more information.
