Looking for some pocket-friendly wines that offer real value for money? Then you better get your hands on the 2013 edition of the Best Value Wine Guide. Quaffable and pocket-friendly wines are found in abundance in this year’s booklet.
The handy pocket book, published by RamsayMedia and sponsored by Ultra Liquors will be distributed in the October issue of Getaway Magazine.
For the first time in four years, the Best Value price threshold has been increased, from R60 to R80, reflecting incremental increase in prices of everything else over the same period. And the results speak for themselves.
General Manager of Ultra Liquors Wine Division, Mark Norrish, shared some tips and thought at this year’s award ceremony of which all winemakers out there should take note.
For Mark the Best Value Guide represents the following:
– BEST – “Of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality”
– VALUE – “An amount, as of goods, services, or money, considered to be a fair and suitable equivalent for something
else; a fair price or return.”
– GUIDE – “to assist (a person) to travel through, or reach a destination in, an unfamiliar area, as by accompanying or
giving directions to the person”
The BVG is a triangle, it brings together the Producer, the Retailer and the Consumer.
Top 10 “Thoughts and Tips”
1.) Over 80,000 copies distributed in Getaway magazine and the BVG Show, which is held within the Getaway show this
week in Jo’burg.
2.) The Ultra Festive catalogue 2012 will consist of 40 BVG wines. Over 1.1 million copies will be distributed nationally to
consumers in November
3.) Sauvignon Blanc wines- still “hot”, but consider blending Semillon with it to reduce acidity, and move towards a more
tropical style. However, keep the name SB on the label
4.) Coffee style wines, and other style wines will continue to experience growth
5.) Your Brand must tell a “story”. Keep a “thread” running. Get creative on the back label . The consumer is your friend…!!
6.) Taste other branded wines with your winemakers, local and international. Read international and local wine news.
7.) Reduce alcohol levels if possible. If consumers want to add ice, or sparkling water to their wines,that is their prerogative.
8.) Listen aggressively to wine consumers at wine shows or events.This is your training ground for the future. Attend the
Whisky Live show, observe the gender,age of the market, listen and learn.
9.) Follow wine competition results closely, and analyse and pick up any trends. Taste those winning wines, note their
prices. Blind taste them, and include your wines in this tasting.
10.) Work closely with the youth of today, utilizing blogs, social media, and any youth events. They are your market of
tomorrow…..
Thanks to all the wine farms that entered the event this year. On behalf of Ultra Liquors, I thank you for all your support once again, and wish you continued success in the future.
Top caption: Publisher of Getaway and the Best Value Guide, Jacqueline Lahoud with General Manager of Ultra Liquors Wine Division, Mark Norrish.
CLICK HERE to few photos of the event.
