Winemakers On Fire, Issue #77

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

This week, join us on a journey that transcends borders as we explore the entrepreneurial spirit of three wine regions: South Africa, Italy, and Barossa. We dive into the world of THIS QUIET EARTH’s Andrew Ing, a visionary in the South African wine industry; we uncork the secrets of Tuscan wine with marketing maestro and WSET-certified Claudia Callegari; and we uncover the multifaceted mind of Barossa’s Rob ‘The Dirtman’ Gibson.

These entrepreneurs, with their unique stories, are reshaping the landscape of the industry, crafting not just wines but experiences and philosophies that are transforming the way we taste and understand wine. From the tenacious spirit of Andrew Ing to the fresh perspective of Claudia Callegari and the eclectic expertise of Rob Gibson, these individuals embody the spirit of entrepreneurship in its truest sense.

So, whether you're a connoisseur or a curious soul, grab your glasses and join us in a toast to the triumphs of these remarkable wine entrepreneurs, one vintage at a time.

Let’s dive in.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring some exciting ideas and concepts around the future of wine and the technology that’s driving innovation in the industry. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve now consolidated these ideas into a dedicated platform: the Terroir 2.0 website.

The Terroir 2.0 website is not just a place to learn about our approach but also a growing hub of resources, conversations, and insights about the fusion of wine and technology. I invite you to visit the site, explore its contents, and join us in this exciting journey.

Visit the Terroir 2.0 website to download our FREE Terroir 2.0 worksheet and uncork your full potential.

Collaborate, Create, Captivate: Join Apholos' Packaging Team.

Apholos, a leading supplier of Metal Labels and Closures, is seeking a creative and innovative individual to join their team in South Africa and help craft sustainable solutions for clients in the Alcoholic Beverage Industry. As a Sales Representative, you'll get to flex your industry knowledge and passion for design, collaborating with clients on creating captivating solutions that elevate their brands.

If you have experience with additional packaging solutions like bottles, tin capsules, barrels, labels, and boxes, you might just be the perfect fit for Apholos’ dynamic team. Are you ready to uncork your potential and be part of Apholos’ success story?

To apply, please forward your CV and motivational letter to Luciana Botner, Apholo’s global expansion expert and creative director.

The Quiet Journey: How Gun Bay Wines Founder Andrew Ing Uncorked a World of Entrepreneurial Success

In the hypercompetitive wine industry, where a sea of labels vie for attention, it takes an entrepreneur with a distinct vision, innovative flair, and sheer grit to make a mark. Andrew Ing, founder of Gun Bay Wines and premium wine brand THIS QUIET EARTH, has carved his own path with a story that’s as dynamic as it is inspiring.

From navigating the challenges of seafood exports to embracing new markets in the face of COVID-19, Andrew’s journey is an embodiment of entrepreneurship at its finest. From clever branding to careful curation, he’s crafted a distinct identity for Gun Bay Wines and THIS QUIET EARTH, setting the stage for continued success in a crowded marketplace.

Authentic Wine, Authentic Voice: How Claudia Callegari’s Personal Brand is Shaping Tuscan Wine.

Imagine a blend as bold and refreshing as a Tuscan summer breeze—that's Claudia's approach to wine entrepreneurship. With 18 years of marketing savvy and a WSET Level 3 certification, she's got the best of both worlds: deep industry knowledge and cutting-edge business acumen.

But Claudia's not just selling wine; she's pouring out experiences, curating hidden gems, and championing lesser-known appellations with the finesse of a master sommelier. Her 'female touch' is more than just a soft approach; it's a powerful tool reshaping the landscape of this traditionally male-dominated field.

From the birth of The Wine Room to her exciting new ventures in wine education and community building, Claudia's journey is a vintage worth savouring. So, uncork your curiosity and join us as we explore how one woman's vision is fermenting change in the world of wine.

The Dirtman Speaks: Insights from Barossa's Geological Winemaker

In Australia's Barossa Valley, Rob Gibson, affectionately known as "The Dirtman," stands as a testament to the power of diverse expertise in winemaking. With a career spanning over five decades, Gibson embodies what thought leaders like Cal Newport, Dr. Richard Florida, and Tyler Cowen have identified as a key to success: the unique combination of diverse skills and experiences.

Gibson's journey is far from conventional. A viticulturist, geologist, and winemaker, he's also the former proprietor of one of Melbourne's earliest wholefood restaurants and even lived in a hippie commune. This multifaceted background has shaped Gibson's approach to winemaking, blending scientific rigour with a profound respect for nature and community.

At Gibson Wines, established in 1996, Rob, along with his wife Anne and son Adam, upholds a 'wine growing' philosophy deeply rooted in understanding the intricate relationship between vineyards, their growth cycle, and flavour maximisation. It's an approach that reflects Gibson's unique ability to synthesise knowledge from various disciplines, creating wines that are not just beverages, but expressions of land, science, and philosophy intertwined.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the mind of this extraordinary winemaker, exploring how his diverse experiences have shaped his craft and his vision for the future of Australian wines.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? After a successful rugby career playing professionally in South Africa and France, Burton Francis found a new passion in winemaking, deepening his knowledge with an MBA from the Burgundy School of Business, where he immersed himself in local winemaking culture. In this exclusive interview, Burton discusses his life's journey from his upbringing in Paarl, his rise to rugby fame, and how his love of the craft of winemaking inspired him to become a wine entrepreneur. Read!

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.