SOUTH AFRICA – South African independent wine producer DGB has partnered with US wine importer Cape Classics to expand its New York City-based importer’s portfolio which currently consists of 26 brands from South Africa and France.

Brands including Boschendal, The Beachhouse, Bellingham and Ribshack Red will now form part of the importer’s South African portfolio, reports Bizcommunity.

Rob Bradshaw, Cape Classics President and CEO, emphasised his enthusiasm for the partnership saying, “We are exceptionally proud to represent DGB’s legacy as an incredibly inclusive wine company that produces quality-driven wine over a range of price points.

“A great partnership is beginning. I’m eager to see what we can do together as we work to keep showing America the magic of fine South African wine.”

Based in Franschhoek, Boschendal is one of the most award-winning wineries in South Africa, with a history dating back over 300 years.

The farm is one of the country’s original estates producing a range of wines from Chardonnay to sparkling selections (Cap Classique).

Meanwhile, the Beachhouse has introduced many to the South African category while making wine approachable and fun. This brand helps Cape Classics to increase its South African footprint in the US market.

Bellingham was established in 1693, when Bernard and Fredagh Podlashuk transformed a neglected Franschhoek farm into a winery that would pioneer many firsts in the South African wine industry.

The Cape Classics and DGB partnership brings 15 new SKUs to the Cape Classics portfolio with wines ranging from US$9.99 to US$39.99 which are available nationally in the States from September.

DGB executive chairman, Tim Hutchinson, shared, “We are excited by the prospect of working hand in glove with Cape Classics and building our business together.

“We have known André Shearer since the early days of Cape Classics in the US and we really respect what Rob and his team have achieved in a very competitive market.”

This partnership follows DGB’s acquisition of majority stake in Backsberg, an iconic winery in the country.

Under the deal, Backsberg’s cellar equipment nestled on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, will be relocated to Franschhoek, where the wines will now be produced under newly formed entity Backsberg Family Wines.

The new Backsberg winery will be housed in a property adjacent to DGB’s Franschhoek Cellars winery.

Following the transaction, the Kosher wines under the “Unorthodox” trademark, together with the Tread Lightly and Backsberg Sydney BackBrandy brands have joined DGB’s premium brands include Boschendal, Bellingham, Douglas Green, Franschhoek Cellars, Brampton, and Fryer’s Cove

The estate’s alembic brandy pot still will also be incorporated into a new artisanal distillery DGB is building in Franschhoek under the name of The Old Road Distillery Co.

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