Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics Hub Inauguration
On 5 March 2020, Stellenbosch Vineyards, owned by French wine leader Advini, inaugurated their brand-new Logistics Hub. The facilities were officially opened by Doug Smollan (Stellenbosch Vineyards shareholder), Antoine Leccia (Advini President) and Aurélien Lechevallier (French Ambassador to South Africa).
Advini President, Antoine Leccia, Stellenbosch Vineyards shareholder, Doug Smollan and French ambassador to South Africa, Aurélien Lechevallier, officially opening the Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics Hub.
Leading Stellenbosch wine producer, Stellenbosch Vineyards, suffered a major tragedy on 23 October 2018 when a fire broke out in the warehouse. This warehouse was built in 1992 and was consistently expanded until 1997 as the company showed significant growth. The original 5 000m2 warehouse stored just over three million bottles of wine from various wineries in the Stellenbosch wine region.
During the deconstruction and recovery process, a decision was made to recycle and donate all possible debris. The steel, a total of 68 300 kilograms, was donated to and partially purchased by Cape Town Film Studios and a company in the steel industry. More than 95% of recoverable timber was transported to various churches in Khayelitsha and the super structure was treated, painted and reinstated as a warehouse in Namibia.
After thorough consultation and planning, the dream of a new logistics hub became reality and 28 August 2019 marked the day the new warehouse construction began. The internal managers and innovators of the warehouse Delana Green, Operations Manager, and Bernard Claassen, Senior Winemaker, who have been part of the Stellenbosch Vineyards team for a combined four decades, had a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the wine industry. The facilities will serve as the logistics hub for Advini South Africa, as well as providing storage and services to the Stellenbosch wine industry.
The new Logistics Hub was designed with the newest technology and a remarkable feature is the 470 000L water tank connected to high-techsmoke detectors and water distributors. A special touch is the sprinkler system and steelworks that are red and blue in the form of the French flag as a representation of majority shareholder, Advini.
According to the French Ambassador to South Africa, Aurélien Lechevallier, the Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics Hub represents the determination of South Africans to succeed and the value that French investment holds for Stellenbosch and it’s wine industry. “Advini South Africa has illustrated the value of collaboration and how the ties between France and South Africa can support a company and its people to bounce back, after what was indeed a tragedy,” explained Lechevallier.
An aerial view of the Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics hub.
About Stellenbosch Vineyards
Stellenbosch Vineyards is a French owned, leading wine producer and exporter located on one of the most popular wine routes in Stellenbosch. More than 80% of the wines are exported to over 40 countries worldwide. Stellenbosch Vineyards offers a diverse wine range of innovative and authentic products, including tactical and customized brands for international retail groups.
About Advini South Africa
Advini South Africa owns 200 hectares of prime properties in Stellenbosch. The portfolio comprises a complete offering of specialised, quality wines. L’Avenir Estate is a boutique Pinotage and Chenin Blanc specialist, with an exclusive Country Lodge and conferencing and wedding facilities. Ken Forrester is widely regarded as South Africa’s King of Chenin Blanc and represents one of South Africa’s most renowned wine brands. Situated on the slopes of Klapmutskop, Le Bonheur specialises in international varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Stellenbosch Vineyards is Advini South Africa’s logistics, smart solution and tactical brand hub.
About Advini
With more than 2 300 hectares of vineyards, in the heart of the most famous French wine regions, AdVini has become the leading actor in France for terroir wines. The extensive portfolio includes Ogier and its Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape; Antoine Moueix Propriétés with Château Capet-Guillier in Saint-Emilion and Château Patache d’Aux in Médoc; Domaine Laroche in Chablis, Maison Champy in Burgundy in Côte-de-Beaune ; Vignobles Jeanjean and the Mas La Chevalière in Languedoc ; Domaine Cazes and its estate Clos de Paulilles in Roussillon; Gassier with the Château Gassier and Château de Roquefeuille in the Provence Sainte-Victoire area; Rigal and Château de Chambert in Cahors. AdVini’s Wine estates are increasingly growing in notoriety and recognition and export to 106 countries.
For more information, please contact Marcelle Laubscher, Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator, via marcellel@stellvine.co.za
