Thierry's South Africa

"Thierrys is an exciting, dynamic company which believes in South Africa, and have proved this by investing in a South African office that is a valuable resource for their suppliers, bringing the UK market closer to producers. It also keeps customers in the UK up to date with trends and possibilities in South Africa. A win-win for everyone".
Su Birch, CEO, Wines of South Africa.

Welcome, or wamakelekile from Lucy, MD of the Thierry’s business here in South Africa! I have to have one of the best jobs in the world as I get to work alongside our fabulous producers; live in a staggeringly beautiful country; taste some exceptional wines with wine buyers and journalists; develop some innovative new products and bring my children up in an amazing country.
I’ve been in the wine industry for 27 years (I know, I don’t look old enough!) I spent 14 years in the UK trade and moved to South Africa 13 years ago, where I will stay forever. Join me, as I share with you the story of our family of suppliers here at the tip of Africa.

South Africa’s wine history:

In 1652 a refreshment station was established in the Cape with the sole aim to provide fresh food to the Dutch East India Company’s merchant fleet on their voyages to India and surrounding areas. Much more evolved from this, and the flourishing wine industry that we see today was born.
Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape planted a vineyard in 1655 and on 2 February 1659 the first wine was made from the Cape grapes. It was only after the French Huguenots settled in the Cape between 1680 and 1690 however, that the wine industry began to flourish and become world renowned.
Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte whilst in exile on the Isle of Saint Helena in the 19th century requested a glass of South African Constantia wine on the evening of his death. Many kings and Emperors of Europe imbibed in the sweet wines of Constantia.

South African wine today:

1990 was not only the year that Mandela, father of the South African nation was freed, but also the year that gave freedom to South African wines in the international market. In 1994 the UK imported some 250,000 cases of South African wine – a number that has risen today to nearer 10 million cases!
There are more South African wines drunk in the UK now than wines from Chile, Spain or New Zealand; and when you taste the wines from our producers you’ll understand why they are so special.

What our Producers say:

“The phenomenal growth we have experienced over the past 24 months is largely due to the fact that Thierry’s have Lucy Warner based here in South Africa. She helps us to align our products with the requirements of the market, make faster decisions and seize opportunities as they arise. Apart from her market knowledge, commitment and energy – what gives our relationship more meaning is the fact that we both share high ethical values which are fundamental for building a sustainable wine business in South Africa”.

Petrus Bosman, Bosman Family Vineyards.

“Thierry’s as a company loves being involved with what we do as a business and wine producer.”

Peter de Wet, Excelsior of Robertson.