Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* South African Rowan Gormley created online retailer Naked Wines in the UK six years ago, and has funded the expansion of his Naked Wines company into the USA and Australia too, via ‘crowdfunding‘. Called ‘angels‘, investors pay £20 a month, and receive wines at discounted prices. This year the company plans to invest £70 million in 145 vineyards in 13 countries. The system is so popular that investors are ‘queuing’ to join.
* Former suspended SAA CEO Monwabisi Kalawe, once Chairman of Cape Town Tourism, has tendered his resignation and has withdrawn his attempts to be reinstated by the airline. He will receive a three-month salary and leave payout of R2,7 million.
* A Japanese cyclist who has been touring the world for the past three years, is grateful to have recovered his bicycle and his belongings when they went missing in Ceres last week. A Social Media action campaign, championed by his adventurer friend Riaan Manser, to request assistance in finding the bicycle, led to the desired outcome, even if the bike was found in many parts. He was able to rebuild it again. Cape Town Tourism has organised a ‘make-good’ package for Diago Narita, to make his association with our region a more positive one.
* Willow Creek Directors’ Reserve has won a Gold Award at The New York International Olive Oil Competition 2015, recognising the world’s best olive oils. It was the only South African award-winner, and one of 700 entries received from 25 countries.
* Uber continuously looks for new marketing opportunities. Today the company will be hiding Nic Harry socks (made from bamboo and cotton in Cape Town) in its cars in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, to be kept by the passengers finding them. (received via media release from Uber)
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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I’ve been a Naked Wines angel for several years. One has to be very careful choosing the wines. The company has now been bought & is part of Majestic Wines, an excellent retailer.
It sounds amazing Nick, and of course we are proud that a South African is at the helm of Naked Wines.
Thanks for the update re the ownership. It wasn’t mentioned in the article.
And did you know the guy that owns Wine at the Mill at the Biscuit Mill, set up Majestic. It too is a very good wine shop!
Nigel Cattermole Lisa?
Thanks Chris, couldn’t recall his name. He was very friendly when I was in there and has a good section of wines from some of the smaller estates.
Good feedback Lisa.