Designed by Stellenbosch-based visual communication agency, G2Design, the site is built on the Shopify platform, with PayGate offering a safe and secure payment solution.
Explains Michael Krynauw, Group Digital Marketing Manager, “The new Vinotèque website provides a far richer experience for consumers and enables our brands to close the loop between online marketing and direct sales.”
The site is the culmination of a decision taken in 2011 to develop an eCommerce solution that would enable direct to consumer sales and increase distribution of the Vinotèque’s super premium and ultra-premium wines and spirits.
Says Michael Van Deventer, Vinotèque eCommerce Manager, “eCommerce is a growing market in South Africa, with annual growth figures of between 30 and 40 percent, so it made absolute sense for us to invest in an eCommerce platform. Furthermore, building such a platform provided an excellent channel through which to build a loyal consumer base for our premium wine portfolio.”
The website, which assumes the name previously given to the unique wine cellaring facility in Stellenbosch (recently renamed the Wine Bank), not only enables consumers to purchase wines and spirits online, but to cellar them as well.
Continues Van Deventer, “The new platform creates a space for consumers to get the most from their fine wine experience. Not only are visitors to the site able to browse and purchase an even wider selection of current and older vintages and award-winning local and international cognacs, whiskies and brandies, they can also choose to cellar them, where appropriate, at our Wine Bank. This decision to incorporate our eCommerce offering and Wine Bank service in a single, online destination means that buying, cellaring and appreciating rare, special wines has never been easier or more accessible.”
The Wine Bank forms part of the historic Bergkelder winery on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, and offers a superb selection of premium, well-matured wines, cellared under optimal conditions, and delivered door-to-door on request. An experienced team is there to ensure that each wine portfolio delivers on its promise and once a year, Wine Bank members receive a maturation report, which offers guidance on when they should be enjoying their liquid assets.
To celebrate the launch of the new site, the Vinotèque is offering consumers the opportunity to stock up and save with a selection of 12 wines currently being matured at the Wine Bank. This is the first of many special offers scheduled for release on the site this year.
For the full Vinotèque experience, please visit www.vinoteque.co.za.