Kleine Zalze, the renowned Stellenbosch wine estate and sought-after tourist destination, has announced strategic changes in its leadership roles. Carina Gous, who previously held the position of Sales and Marketing Executive, has been elevated to the role of General Manager. Meanwhile, RJ Botha, the esteemed Cellarmaster, now assumes the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of wine production. This transition follows the retirement of Johan Bestbier at the close of August 2022.
Earlier this year, Kleine Zalze was acquired by the French wine company AdVini, which also holds ownership of five other esteemed Stellenbosch properties, including L’Avenir, Le Bonheur, Ken Forrester Wines, and Stellenbosch Vineyards.
Carina Gous, a respected figure within the Cape wine industry with over three decades of experience, joined Kleine Zalze in April 2020. During her tenure, she has spearheaded the marketing and sales efforts of one of South Africa’s most successful wine brands, celebrated for its commercial achievements and a diverse range of high-quality wines that have garnered numerous local and international accolades.
Gous emphasizes that Kleine Zalze will remain steadfast in pursuing the vision established by the previous owner, Kobus Basson. This vision encompasses the consistent creation of exceptional wines that reflect the remarkable diversity of South Africa’s terroir and the excellence inherent in various grape varieties.
“Building upon the strong foundation laid by Kleine Zalze’s dedicated teams over the past two decades, we are committed to our principles of offering top-quality wines across various price tiers, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and occasions,” she explains. “Our commitment to over-delivering on the price-to-quality ratio has elevated Kleine Zalze to a prominent position both locally and internationally. As part of the AdVini family, we are privileged to tap into their global reach. With approximately 70% of our wine production already exported, we aspire to enhance profitability and elevate the global recognition of Kleine Zalze and South Africa’s prominence in the global wine arena.”
While the core focus will continue to be the familiar ‘Z’-slash label, Gous highlights recent developments in the wine realm. “Under RJ Botha’s leadership, our cellar team has curated the Project Z brand, featuring artisanal packaging and a selection of limited-release wines crafted in innovative styles from distinctive vineyard sites,” she notes. “Additionally, Kleine Zalze has partnered with the Kleine Zalze Empowerment Trust to establish Visio Vintners. This collaborative effort recently introduced the Visio Vintners range of wines, with plans to build a resilient brand over the next decade, ultimately benefiting employees and their families. These initiatives aim to unlock value for both brand owners and employees, positioning Kleine Zalze at the forefront of advancements within the local wine industry.”
RJ Botha adds that Kleine Zalze’s access to prime vineyard locations in Stellenbosch and select Cape winelands regions will further the winery’s ongoing pursuit of exceptional quality across its diverse wine portfolio. “Over the past twenty years, Kleine Zalze has earned an exceptional reputation for quality, earning recognition from local and international customers, wine critics, and competition judges alike,” he remarks. “We will continue to expand our offerings, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch and Chenin Blanc, spotlighting Heritage Vineyards or Old Vines.”
“Complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Syrah, these varietals showcase our ability to produce wines of superior quality, recognized both in terms of excellence and commercial success. With the flourishing Cap Classique range, we anticipate further expansion due to its increasing popularity. Stylistically, my cellar team constantly explores innovative techniques such as using amphorae and concrete eggs to refine our wine offering.”
Botha emphasizes that the enduring relationship with grape growers remains the cornerstone of what Kleine Zalze can offer. “We have cultivated a remarkable portfolio of vineyards across some of the Cape’s most esteemed sites, nurturing partnerships with growers just as they nurture our vines. This encompasses some of the country’s finest old vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, exceptional Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, and an array of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc. With these strong foundations and Kleine Zalze’s brand ethos, we are poised to embark on our next chapter with continued success and recognition – not only for our brand but for the broader South African wine category as well.”
