Fear vs Love

Now what place has fear in the month of love, you ask? Exactly nothing - yet everything - since they are opposites.

“Love, love changes everything
Hands and faces, earth and sky
Love, love changes everything
How you live and how you die

Love can make the summer fly
Or a night seem like a lifetime”

“Hate is not the first enemy of love. Fear is. It destroys your ability to trust.” Anonymous
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4: 18 NKJV

Breathe deeply, exhale. Now do that thing!

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” Mark Twain

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela

Tread softly, but walk.

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” Jack Canfield

“Fear less, hope more. Whine less, breathe more. Talk less, say more. Hate less, love more. And all good things are yours.” Swedish proverb

Want it enough.

“Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will.” W. Clement Stone

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. Go out and get busy.” Dr. Dale Carnegie

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Get up and get going.

“F-E-A-R has two meanings:

1.       Forget Everything And Run OR

2.       Face Everything And Rise” Anonymous

“Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.” Will Smith

Choices… Make them.

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”  Eleanor Roosevelt

Go through it, not around it.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

Help is at hand. Ask...

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Wilson & Nelson Mandela

Indeed you are. Believe.

Now go forth and love your beloved… 
Allez maintenant et aimez votre bien-aimé…

Acknowledgements:

“Love Changes Everything” Michael Ball

The Bible, New King James Version® 1982

The Bible, King James Version® 1957

You can’t really pursue happiness # 2

With the New Year comes new hope and inspiration. Make the best of it. While it may sound trite, take these words to heart:

“Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy”

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” Dr. Dale Carnegie

This does not suggest that you merely go with the flow. It tells you to accept that which is given to you - with graciousness.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Helen Keller

Inflating your self-worth will only isolate you from everyone. Discover your purpose, your calling in life, and pursue that. Getting lost in a cause bigger than yourself will fulfil you no end.

“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you'll be a success.” Dr. Albert Schweitzer

“We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” Charles Kingsley

Many people preach prosperity. So do I, and there is nothing wrong with that. It definitely makes the wheels turn smoother, but that famous saying “You can’t buy happiness.” Or is it love? It's true in both instances. Do something you enjoy. Period.

“Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values. No one's happiness but my own is in my power to achieve or to destroy.” Ayn Rand

You are not responsible, ever, for someone else’s happiness, love or salvation. Restore yourself first and be content to lead by example.

“He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” James Oppenheim

Happiness, like love, like charity – all these start at home.

“Your success and your happiness start with you.” Zig Ziglar

“How you feed your mind is every bit as critical to your happiness as how you feed your body.” Jeff Olson

If you don’t take charge of your inner thoughts, someone else will. All you need to do is to set and visualize the end goal; the rest will fall into place.

“There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.” Freya Stark

No-one likes a two-face. Neither would you be able to live comfortably with being one yourself.

“Happiness is the natural experience of winning your own self-respect as well as the respect of others.” Denis Waitley

You can only give what you have. Most treasured things are earned.

“All who would win joy must share it; happiness was born a twin.” Lord Byron

Once you have achieved anything significant, you will find that you automatically want to share this joy you feel within.

Think about this: happiness is mostly outer-directed during a specific occasion, while joy is inner directed lasting a lifetime. What are your thoughts?

Acknowledgements:-

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

“Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain”, Audrey TAUTOU & Mathieu KASSOVITZ

You can’t really pursue happiness # 1

Same as you can’t really pursue love - for the simple reason that it normally finds you when you’re doing other stuff. Importantly, you must be open to find it, know its voice, and be prepared to stop whatever you’re so busy with and digress to follow it.  Then in a heartbeat your eyes will brighten up and you’ll sing along to:

“You can reach me by caravan

Across the desert like a Arab man

I don’t care how you get here

Just get here if you can.”

What has all this got to do with wine you ask? Well, in my mind good wine starts before you actually pour it. First you get into a relaxed vibe and chill. You, whites and reds too. Assemble great company and scrumptious food. Then let the conversation flow. In doing so comes wonderfully romantic moments, and momentous philosophical thoughts. But at least fill up your glass before we tackle these serious issues.

“I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.” Sofia Loren

This is the basis of my wine philosophy. Follow your intuition. Enjoy life!

“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Encourage someone else in following their dream, supporting them all the way. Congratulate them when they’ve achieved their goal, spreading their good news story for their benefit.

“I don’t know what your future has in store, but what I do know is that you will only be really happy if you have sought and found how to serve.” Dr. Albert Schweitzer

When you lose yourself in helping others, you will be amazed at the joy and warmth you feel inside you.

“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation.” Leo Tolstoy

Carpe Diem! Home is always there, yet you are here, now. Make the time to give her an extra long hug, whispering into her ear, “I love you”.

“Rules for happiness: something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.” Immanuel Kant

No man is an island. We are created for a purpose and formed as social beings, living constantly in the hope to be found worthy.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Helen Keller

It used to take me forever to close a door, but lately I’ve become very attentive and now even see a door open on the side at ever such a slight crack, just before the main door in front of me shuts with a clang.

“My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations.” Michael J. Fox

Accept yourself as you are, accept those around you, including the so-called bad news just delivered, and move on. Rest assured that new opportunities and some wonderful lessons will come from this.

“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” Dr. Dale Carnegie

Be happy inside your own skin. Truly love and admire yourself. You are special and you are loved by the Creator.

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Giving of yourself is really what counts – your time, your memories, your expertise, and your take on living in peace and harmony.  Share these authentically and in humbleness.

“Faith makes you happy.” Dr. Henry Cloud

Isaiah 52: 7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"”

“Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.” Dr. Albert Schweitzer

Whatever harsh circumstances prevailed, it is always the love, the laughter, and the fun that is remembered.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole road, just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Take heart even in doing what you fear. It will soon pass once you act. Not only that, but having shown the courage to make that phone call, write that note, confront someone, you will be absolutely thrilled with pride, flowing over into a deep inner peace.

So there you have it, some thoughts over a glass or two of excellent wine. But don’t let me stop you in your pursuit, or not…

Acknowledgements:-

“You can reach me” by Anita Baker

Giulio Bertrand, Morgenster Estate – Sofia Loren quote

“Wat gelukkige mense weet…” Dr. Jannie le Roux ©2014 Carpe Diem Media – other quotes

Creating a legacy

How do you go about creating a legacy? Something substantial that will outlast your lifetime? You can write that book, star in a movie, sing on stage, become a sports star… While there are a myriad ways with each person having his own views according to their God-given talents, one surefire way could be to create your own successful private brand.

But similar to each of those other fields, this road also has no guarantee of success when you start out. In fact, as all successful entrepreneurs will testify to, creating a new brand is filled with trials and tribulations along every step of the way. Meaning that getting over the first hurdle does not automatically get you to the finish line. And this is actually only the gateway to get your product into the market and onto the shelves.

So why bother? Well, ask anyone who has ever achieved any degree of success. Or rather, look at the enthusiasm and confidence that emanates from them. Then most likely you’ll want something of the same. But first of all you’ll need a great desire to achieve despite all the odds stacked against you. And achieving does not always have to be about you. What about the guy who goes full out to give back from all the blessings that he’s received in life?

Just be very sure that in all instances it is incredible hard work to reach that pinnacle and you’ll need a good team to support you along the way. See building a brand as a lifelong journey – separate from yours and with a life of its own, sometimes actually much more exciting. So take time to acknowledge and celebrate each milestone achieved. Then before you know it, that little brand has grown and stands proudly on its own feet on the world stage. This is of course time to have a great party. But also the time when you should recognize in gratitude all those around you and contemplate whereto from here? Am I there yet? Is my job done yet? Where to next?

FMS has been fortunate to be part of several teams this year that created some very innovative wine brands. Each has its own distinct character, target market, purpose and vision. Let’s salute those brave men who dared to step out of their comfort zones, and in creating something unique took the bold steps to each give birth to a new international brand.

The Full Fifteen Africans Malbec 2013 – Denmark 

www.skovgaardvine.dk/the-full-fifteen-africans-malbec-2013

Africa Promise Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2015 &

Africa Promise Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015 - USA & SA www.AfricaPromiseWines.com

Jacques du Mont Vinho Espumante Premium  - Bolivia, Brazil & Angola

With the wines now all dressed up and some already in the market, the next step for these brand owners and FMS as facilitator is to grow these wine brands into a legacy, introducing it into new countries with careful planning.

Photo credits: 

Incisioni Grafica Pubblicita & Jacques Germanier - Africa Promise Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015

Peter Rimell Photography – The Full Fifteen Africans 

La vie est belle, n'est-ce pas? # 2

Make someone feel special, today. This should be your personal goal every morning, even before getting out of bed. And what’s the bottom-line return for you? It could be a wonderful warm feeling when experiencing their heartfelt thanks; even if it’s just a smile, a nod of acknowledgement, or a salute. That’s enough to fill up my emotional tank. And it need not be from someone close to you. It feels as great when dishing goodness out to random strangers.

Moreover, once you realise that the world doesn’t revolve around you, but most things depend on teamwork, you’ve come a long way. And a team can be just two of you. What a blissful feeling when you’ve achieved or experienced something special together. You’re sharing these moments that bond you together. Cherish it.

As you know, despite the most well laid out plans, life happens. It’s then that your character comes to the fore, when you act almost instinctively. Let this be to your credit. The saying, “May you live in interesting times” can be taken as a blessing or as a curse. It’s exactly these unexpected deviations that make the world’s difference, even if you don’t think it is so profound at the time.

Mostly such magic occurs on the spur of the moment. Like when I push Sophie to write a letter to a company in Paris, saying that she’s been in South Africa, done the research, and am ready to launch.

A ½ hour later her screen is still blank and she tells me. “I can’t get started. I don’t know what to write.” So I come and sit next to her saying, “Right, let’s do this thing.” An hour later she says, “Good, let’s send it.” “No, not yet, let’s read through it again.” We both make many small changes and it’s high-fives when she presses the send key.

It can also take patience and persistence to get things rolling smoothly. A client from China is supposed to visit the Cape in June. This gets postponed to July, then to August, and finally it becomes a planning nightmare as the visit rolls over from week to week, and later from day to day. To my surprise, Kuban calls me one mid-morning saying “Henry is here, we’ll see you in an hour.”

Busy with other stuff, I’m in a flat spin. We talk about everything except the business at hand. Despite Henry not drinking alcohol, he is a great collector and the two of us spend an exciting hour unearthing vintages from 1999 onward from every nook and cranny. Settling down afterwards with a drink, we finally get onto the topic of visiting the wineries...

Mariella's Restaurant

Henry and I spend two cloudy but stimulating days in the Winelands. The first day is in the Swartland with vistas of green and gold from fields of wheat, lucerne and canola. It includes a lovely lunch at Mariella’s, followed by a cellar tour filled with the biggest collection of French casks in the Southern hemisphere.

Capaia cellar

When Henry sees a handful of Capaia 2007 Jéroboam gift boxes, he promptly buys one, ending the day on a perfect note.

The next day we’re on a tight schedule starting in Stellenbosch and moving over to Paarl. Thanks to Henry’s Porche we comfortably keep to the programme and even have time to admire the exquisite artworks at Cavalli, and the numerous cheeses at Fairview, before stopping for another great lunch at Sonop.

Here another surprise awaits. It’s like déjà vu with a difference. Switching to French, M. Jacques Germanier and I catch up on a rendez-vous d’affaires of some years before. In turn, Henry is very impressed with the Swiss precision put in place since 1991. A few things definitely get lost in the translation, but fortunately Sophie Germanier, in charge at Sonop, comes discreetly to my aid.

Jacques Germanier wine range

It’s close to five on a Friday, and no self-respecting winery’s management is still open for business, but our mission is not yet complete. Coaxing a late meeting out of Michela, she tells me, “Ok, but the order has to be big! ;-)” When we arrive there’s no-one to be seen, but the table is filled with wine glasses and a framed certificate. Looking around, Henry points to the kitchen. Michela comes out bright-eyed and all smiles, inviting us in. Attilio and the kids follow.  Excitedly, Michela explains the reason for the certificate and trophy on the table.

Attilio & Michela with Absa Top 10
Ayama Pinotage 2013

After a photo or two Michela wants to start the tasting but Henry says, “No, just give me samples, that’s enough. I will pay.” Michela retorts with, “With pleasure, but you can’t pay for it. It’s samples.” 

And a short while later we’re on our way home. Heading due West, I think...

Photo credits:-

Anton Blignault – Attilio  & Michela with ABSA Top 10 Pinotage Trophy & Certificate

Capaia Wines - Mariella's Restaurant & wine cellar

Jacques Germanier - wine range

La vie est belle, n'est-ce pas?

When do you say “Life is good, isn’t it?” Is it when having sufficient money to provide in excess of your needs? Could it be that you’re most happy when you’ve achieved a major goal? Or would it be simply enough to share a superb meal with good wine and great friends? My take is: Today is special, use it well. It only comes once, so use every opportunity in creating a unique occasion, making some lasting memories along the way to the sky.

Cape Town harbour

Sure, I know that it’s important to strive to achieve your full potential. But this, like most things, is a life-long quest. What’s necessary is to appreciate the small milestones along the way and to share this fully in the moment with your loved ones in total delight of life worth savouring. Recently I’ve had the good fortune to do a lot of sharing – of excellent wines, sparkling wines and terrific food coupled with many jokes and laughter. To me, this is a day well spent and worth remembering.

It started with me phoning Sophie in a panic, saying that I’ve got clients from the US here in an hour and I need help. She laughs, saying. “Ok, see you just now I guess.” We get off to a rocky start when many wines have Merlot in it – which Yolonda detests. But all ends well later when she and Enoch are in awe of the city’s lights from Signal Hill.

Jacques Germanier Brut Millésimé 2010

Two days later we set out for a tour to two cellars in the Voor Paardeberg Region, clustered around a mountain inhabited by baboons and leopards. Yolonda loves the organic and Fairtrade concepts, but does not approve of dry wines, so when Jaco adds “a touch of sugar” in the form of grape fructose the day is saved. Afterwards we move on to a 3-course lunch starting with Jacques Germanier Brut Millésimé 2010 around a crackling log fire. It is followed by many tales from Enoch on life in South Africa, countered by the two Sophies – our host from Switzerland and our guest from France.

Next we go around the mountain and meet up with the Sfiligoi Italian family, producing wonderful wines since 2005. Attilio regales us with tales of baboons, their love for grapes and their penchant for throwing stones at the children and the farm workers.

CHEVAL D'OR WARLORD 2009

Some weeks before I found myself in the golden wine triangle in Stellenbosch at a wine estate fit for a princess and her knight. Having previously tasted their 7-varietal flagship Warlord 2009 red blend which won 2 gold medals, I'm still astounded by the luxury. The entrance has a magnificent statue of a horse, with vast paddocks dedicated to each stud horse. I mistake their stables and training arena as a hotel. Craig takes me to the cellar across the road where we taste exquisite  individual components of the 2015 white,  Bordeaux and Rhône blends which include barrel fermented Verdelho, Viognier, Chardonnay,  Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Syrah.

The Full Fifteen Africans Malbec 2013

Sophie and I take to the road again early one Friday to collect and deliver wine labels for Denmark, but setting up two tastings at cellars outside Darling. With Christopher leading the way we clamber up and down metal ladders, tasting the best of the 2015 harvest, including amazing Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, several Shiraz blocks to be blended later, ending with the premium Lynchpin, a Cabernet Franc Merlot blend.

Some weeks later Jeanine, the winemaker just across the road from Craig, stops at the office to drop off red bulk wine samples. It is not until another three weeks pass that I finally taste these three blends, only to be blown away by the quality of the Merlot based 2011 dry red blend – incredible value!

Little joys can come seemingly at the most inopportune times and in the most surprising ways. It’s up to us to recognize this magical moment and have the courage to digress from our well-laid out plans to fill it up with a little bit of heaven…

Photo credits:-
Anton Blignault - Cape Town harbour
Peter Rimell Photography - The Full Fifteen Africans

Private Label Project # 2

With FMS creating its Private Label Division in 2014, it has finally come into its own during 2015.

The successful launch of Skipper’s (2^nd brand of New Beginnings) in 2014 led us to develop a private label for a client in Côte d’Ivoire (OloPam Nest). Focusing on Private Label Projects since January, it brought in three orders in quick succession from clients in Kenya (ADUA), Denmark (The Full Fifteen Africans) and Bolivia. This is for both still and sparkling wines with quantities ranging from one pallet to a 20’ container. With another three in progress to China and the USA (Africa Promise & Freedom Wines), FMS is becoming quite expert in sourcing wines for specific target markets – all within budget and deadline.

La principale raison du succès is that FMS provides a full turn-key service to you as client - choosing wine from barrel, tank or unlabelled bottles, negotiating with several wineries, providing you a quality wine at best price, and labelling these on schedule. Some clients prefer to handle their own design, while we can advise you on international design contests or using our appointed designer. All labels are printed locally using a trusted associate.

FMS verifies that cellars we propose consistently produce wine of excellent quality, rated independently. The wines can be part of the cellar’s regular range, or we can create a specific blend, style, or varietal to fit your brief. Dependant on volume, you can choose the bottle type, closure and capsule colour. Production lead time is 2 to 6 weeks. Price depends on quality, volume, varietal/s, vintage and region. We will quote you FOB Cape Town, plus handling the full logistical export process to include the CIF destination port of your choice.

La Rue Mouffetard, Paris 1954

At first we need a clear direction to establish: what styles would suit your target market, quantities (840 to 13,200 bottles), launch date, price and quality levels. This wish list is modified into a final brief once we’ve done internal market research on your chosen market. Next, we will access a wine industry B2B website to ensure that we discover and taste all the best options according to these criteria. Chosen samples will be provided free FOB Cape Town, with courier costs for your account.

Brands that we developed for Bolivia are targeted to compete directly against market leaders in their respective categories, namely sparkling wine and apple cider. The product image must compete at a specific price level, using a designated marketing strategy for your target market. We can recommend several options for US clients that require an importer to take care of regulations such as product and label compliance, importation, warehousing and distribution to various states, charging task-based fees. It includes managing the COLA and TTB process to achieve federal regulatory compliance.

FMS can request a graphic design specialist to quote on label, logo and brand name design according to your brief. Apart from essential design elements, the creation of the label is considered in terms of its market position while contextualising your brand’s story. It is a project fee-based task. Regardless of who you use as designer, FMS provides guidance with label approval on technical aspects such as mandatory items, health warnings, importer details and barcodes. FMS has connections with several trademark attorneys and can advise you on these, including foreign translation services.

Label printing is cleared when we receive the SAWIS approval certificate. Labels are printed digital, flexo or litho, depending on quality and quantity. If required, magnetic label dies has a 48-hour lead time. Label printing costs depends on size, quantity, paper and is quoted in full sets. Paper stock is dictated by the brand’s image and wine type. Lead time for design and printing ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. Branded cartons are an important marketing tool. Printing of these can be done at a nominal cost and depends on volume, design and colour. There is a once-off cost for the design stereo.

Once production or labelling is set up we can ask the relevant WOSA country market manager for advice on a launch strategy, potential clients, and creating additional media awareness. FMS could also publish an article in the Wine Marketing Services blog, add it to the FMS website and create ads for the brand on two B2B portals where FMS is registered, providing your contact details.

Due to the correct brief being critical for the wine search and label design, we will guide you on both. We don’t compromise on quality at any step along this exciting journey. With FMS providing you with a cost-effective, turn-key private label solution, you can capitalise on these synergies and expertise in place to launch your own brand, directing your own future.

wine civilization

Photo credits: Thinkstock, Robert DOISNEAU, FMS & Coralie FLANDRE