Winemakers On Fire, Issue #30

Good day, and a warm welcome!

This week, we're excited to present an updated version of one of our most popular feature articles from 2023: the inspiring story of Callan Williams, a wine entrepreneur who has made a name for herself with her innovative wine brand, The Garajeest. Through determination, hard work, and a passion for her craft, Callan has built a successful business that has captured the attention of wine lovers and industry experts alike.

In this updated article, we delve deeper into Callan’s journey, exploring the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. We also gain insights into the unique features of The Garajeest wines and how Callan has leveraged her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to stand out in a crowded market.

But that's not all; we also have the tale of how Clos Bibliotheque is writing a new chapter in the annals of Bulgarian winemaking. Step into the world of Jordan Jelev, the master designer who was tasked with capturing the very essence of this ambitious wine project, which is deeply rooted in the rich terroir and tales that date back to the year 897 AD. Discover how Clos Bibliotheque is weaving together tradition, innovation, and storytelling to create a truly one-of-a-kind wine experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

Callan's Bounty: Callan Williams Wins Big Across the Board in 2023

In 2023, South African winemaker Callan Williams received notable recognition for her Jim Semillon and Bruce Cabernet Franc. Her wines earned scores of 94 points and 93 points from Platters and James Suckling, respectively, as well as Platters' prestigious "Highly Recommended" designation. Both wines were also named to James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of the Year list, a significant achievement that Callan understatedly said she was "quite proud of."

Additionally, renowned critic Tim Atkin awarded 93 points to both of Callan’s wines. Beyond this professional recognition, Callan also unveiled a unique, interactive Magnum bottle earlier this year that took inspiration from Botticelli's painting of the Birth of Venus. With top scores, inclusion on Best of Year lists, and unique new offerings, 2023 proved to be a standout year of awards and honours for Callan Williams.

From Ballet to Winemaking: The Inspiring Journey of Wine Entrepreneur Callan Williams

Callan Williams, a former ballet dancer who aspired to join a contemporary dance company, made an extraordinary career change. Born in Zimbabwe and educated at a prestigious South African girls' school, Callan initially pursued ballet but quickly realised its financial limitations. Instead, she enrolled at Elsenburg Agricultural College to study cattle farming before moving on to winemaking. Her journey was not without difficulties, but her unwavering determination resulted in the creation of her own wine brand, The Garajeest, which has gained recognition through sheer hard work.

Callan manages all aspects of her business as a one-woman show, leveraging social media to her advantage. Her wines, named "Jim" for the white Sémillon and "Bruce" for the red Cabernet Franc, reflect her unique personality. While her wines showcase remarkable talent, what truly sets Callan Williams apart is her unwavering bravery, resourcefulness, resilience, determination, and discipline. In less than a decade, she has achieved an impressive feat, demonstrating that her journey from ballet to winemaking required not only talent and passion but also immense courage.

Our special guest this week is Callan Williams, entrepreneur, founder, and winemaker of The Garajeest in Cape Town, South Africa. After reading her story, I am sure you will agree that Callan is a lady on a mission.

Tell us about your background and how you got into wine.

I’m a romantic. Wine was always my calling. I studied at Elsenburg (Boeremeisie), learned to sokkie, got thrown in the deep end, made wine for a few wine estates, and started my own business at the age of 24.

Do you have a winemaking degree?

Yes, I have a degree in Oenology, Viticulture, and Cellar Management.

Whom do you most admire in the world of South African wine, and why?

I most admire the independent producers; I am so proud to see the bravery and determination of all my fellow independents, which have increased over the years since I started a decade ago. It’s a battlefield out there, and only the toughest survive. So much goes into establishing, running, and surviving your own brand or winery. These individuals are warriors.

Tim Atkin gave you 93 points for both the 2020 and 2021, Jim Semillon. That is very classy. What inspired you to create this unique wine?

I started my business in 2014, with my first vintage in 2015, at the age of 24. At that stage, my inspiration was purely to make my favourite cultivar as a straight varietal in a style that I loved. It was that simple!

2023 marks your ninth vintage and tenth year in business. How have you adapted to changes in the wine industry over the last decade?

My philosophy of life, business, and wine is much the same: just flow; work with what you have; rules are meant to be broken; it is possible; don’t worry about what people think; follow your heart; really believe in what you’re doing; stay true to yourself; work hard; adapt to survive; and keep fighting. The wine industry globally has thrown a few good punches through the years; luckily, I have a strong left hook.

I have always stayed true to myself, maintained high quality, and focused on my brand. I want people to love my product and really enjoy the story, paired with good food, good tunes, and good friends. When you have a core belief, you can adapt to changing circumstances and still flourish.

Starting a winery necessitates deep pockets, professional assistance, and long-term vision. What have you learned from the challenges you faced while growing your business?

Whatever comes my way, I have what it takes.

Finally, could you tell us about your future plans for your winery and your wines?

I have new wines that I will be adding to my range, including “big bottles.” I also have a new luxury brand, "A New Era by Me," which will explore the senses beyond wine.

Callan, thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with us, and congratulations on the launch of your luxury brand, “A New Era by Me.”

Clos Bibliotheque: Embracing Tradition, Honouring History

In the village of Nevsha in Eastern Bulgaria, where the Black Sea whispers its influence, Clos Bibliotheque emerges as a new chapter in winemaking. As the designer behind the scenes, my task was to encapsulate the essence of this ambitious wine project, rooted in the terroir and tales dating back to 897 AD.

The winery draws its name from its historical ties to a scriptorium, paying homage to the Stone Library, where the wisdom of Cyril and Methodius’ students, Princes Simeon and Boris, was once preserved. This narrative became the muse for a thoughtful logo design I crafted for the winery, featuring debossed sun rays that embody enlightenment. Atop the sun, a book symbolises the union of science and culture, while two crossed keys, elegantly stamped in embossed silver foil, unveil the secrets of viticulture and winemaking.

The label design is a modest homage to the classic elegance of Old-World wines. The traditional Burgundy bottle, sealed with a premium tin capsule and cork, carries a label crafted from thick, solid paper, carefully chosen for its timeless appeal. The strong debossing on the sun rays and the embossed silver foil detailing on the book and keys add tactile grace to the label.

In collaboration with Dagaprint, every detail of this label reflects a commitment to excellence. The result is a wine label that modestly pays homage to tradition, honouring the rich, forgotten history of Clos Bibliotheque while embracing a modern approach to bring it back to life.

Thank you, Jordan Jelev, The Labelmaker, for sharing with us the details of this ambitious wine project, rooted in the terroir and tales dating back to 897 AD.

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I’m Mike Carter, The Wine Wordsmith, and the mastermind behind Winemakers On Fire. I'm deeply committed to delivering insightful content that informs and engages readers. My passion for the wine industry extends beyond this publication, and I leverage my expertise with wine professionals seeking to strengthen their brands through compelling content.

Whether you're in need of newsletter copy, blog posts, or case studies, let's connect and discuss how I can help you reach your audience in meaningful ways. To learn more, please feel free to get in touch with me via email.

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