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

Live a little # 2

"Love, like faith, is irrational", someone once said. Both require tremendous trust. Sharing values, and perhaps loving similar music, is the glue that somehow makes a relationship work. Build on these bricks to put that sparkle in you and your loved ones’ eyes.

 

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein

“La vie en rose.” Edith Piaf

Choose the latter. By seeing everything through rose-tinted glasses your life will be transformed into a daily thanksgiving; living in gratitude whatever the circumstances at that point might be.

“Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Live it!” Mabale Moloi from “Destiny” September 2009

Use what you’ve got. Your dreams start to become real when you believe them.

“Life’s a journey and it’s up to you to do your best to enjoy the ride.” Bridgette Modise from “Destiny” September 2009

The first five minutes in the morning and your first appointment is critical to set the tone for your whole day.  Use your opportunities, each and every one that comes along! Expect not to stick rigidly to the plan because the deviations will make your life so much richer. Just don’t get lost in the forest!

“Work is love made visible.” Kahlil Gibran

Do what you do with passion and it will show – in your results, your business relationships, your soul. It is amazing how your self-worth increases when you feel needed and when you have achieved a goal.

“Persistence + Love = Abundance” Anonymous

Love yourself first. You can’t give what you haven’t got. Pursue peace both around you and within you.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Ursula Strydom

Indeed! Those few who act on their dreams consistently rise to the top of society in whatever sphere their passion lies.

 

"Anyone who says only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." Anonymous 

It is exactly in these moments when you have nothing left to lose. If then you let go of everything that mentally holds you back you will make a miraculous breakthrough; much to the surprise of everyone around you, including yourself.

“Forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.” Audrey Hepburn

Do these things every single day and you will truly live a remarkable life. A caution though: it only works if you live fully in the present, forget the past and don’t have any concerns for the future.

So, stick to the moment and embrace every interaction as a once-off unique opportunity to shine your light. You’ll be thrilled to bits with the results, and so will those around you – with you!

Photo credits: Anton Blignault

Live a little # 1

“Hope springs eternal” is an idiom from Alexander Pope’s poem, “Essay on Man” which is a basic truism of life. Wake up each morning with a smile on your face; stepping out with a spring in your step and facing the world filled with hope and love.

“Dance. Love. Sing. Live.” Audrey Hepburn

Be an entertainer at heart. Not just for the sake of those around you, but equally to lift up your own spirits. In short, enjoy life, you only live once.

“Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale.” Hans Christian Anderson

See life through the eyes of a child. Don’t ever completely lose that innocence, that naivety, that sense of wonder and belief in the impossible that a child has.

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.” Antonio Smith

Aunt Sienie told me that very same thing quite often. It is those small acts of kindness that builds the bond between two people and fosters an ingrained value system that will steer you automatically through any crisis.

“Happiness is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have.” Anonymous

“Having the best things is no substitute for having the best life.” Oprah Winfrey

What you’re really looking for is inside you. Take a few deep breaths, turning your attention inside yourself. You don’t need to be “fixed” - that is looking from the outside. Notice simple, concrete things: the beautiful sunset, the rise and fall of your stomach as you breathe. In short, be grateful.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey

You get what you focus on. Do yourself the favour and focus only on the positive.

“We are what we repeatedly do.” Aristotle

This is a basic human principle which is highly underrated. It is those small everyday acts that builds up in layers and grows into a way of life. Just make sure that you choose the high road. 

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

Have the courage to take that first step, write that first line, make that call, saying those words that are burning inside you… It will not only change your life, but also all of those people that you touch on your journey.

“Our attitude towards life determine life’s attitude towards us.” Earl Nightingale

 “Stop grumbling. When you complain you remain. Praise and be raised.” Joyce Myers

Little changes have big results. You’re going to develop what you focus on.

Now go out and get them! And have yourself a marvelous, delightful, blessed day.