| Cape Classics

In September Cape Classics celebrated its 25th Anniversary! To commemorate we will be sharing stories over the course of the next year...

Lars Maack

"Cape Classics is really an extension to our Buitenverwachting team in the U.S. market place. They have an amazing team spirit, awesome sense of humour and a passion and commitment to South African wines. What more do you want in life? Cheers to 25 years of Cape Classics!!"

– Lars Maack, Bayten

Madeline Triffon

"Cape Classics is in no small part the reason that South African wines are recognized and appreciated in the United States. I’m personally grateful for their commitment to bringing their growers here, so we can connect memorable personalities with equally stylish wines! Now that the portfolio has expanded, “Cape Classics” will simply and always sing “quality” to me, because of the very fine people behind the name, notably Andre Shearer and Molly Choi. They couldn’t be better ambassadors for a company that brings us great wine through their passion and creative intelligence. What a team, Happy Anniversary to everyone at Cape Classics!"

– Madeline Triffon, First Female Master Sommelier

Debbie Allison

"Reflecting on my trip to South Africa in July 2004 with the Darden Restaurants Team. It’s been 13 years ago and it seems like it was just yesterday.

We tapped on Andres shoulder to help host the trip because of our experience with Indaba Chardonnay at Seasons 52 and the relationship between Cape Classics and George Miliotes. All Andre had to hear was that Darden was interested in coming to South Africa and he became the coordinator of the entire trip and devoted his week to guiding us through the experience.

To this day that trip remains the highlight of all emersion trips I have had in my career. The South African Seafood and Wine Emersion Trip of 2004 ignited a blaze of appreciation for the SA food and wine in me and my team mates. We brought home that appreciation and rekindled the blaze by using the influences we experienced in small ways in our restaurants. (e.g. – Excelsior at Red lobster and later Jam Jar)

The passion for his country that Andre Shearer has is infectious. He was devoted to us learning simply about seafood and wine but also about the spirit of the country of South Africa. We learned of the pride of the people only 13 years post-apartheid, we became aware of the companies that were hanging on to the old ways and why to steer clear, we witnessed first-hand the culture of the townships, we absorbed the history and the burden of shame of Robben Island, we were immersed in the exquisite culture of the wine businesses of Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl & Franschhoek, and even had a visitation with some government officials.

I’ll close with just one memory of so many I have. We spent the day with Andre on Robben Island and learned about how Nelson Mandela survived the brutality and harsh conditions and even rose above it to form the “Robben Island University” to educate them all and where he and others furthered the anti-apartheid movement from behind bars. Towards the end of the trip we visited the limestone quarry where they were forced to work long hours every day. We heard about their triumphant return to the quarry as free men years later. I took a small stone from the quarry that day and it sits on my desk still. The stone has come to represent to me the spirit of tolerance and overcoming obstacles.

The week changed me and I left with a deep love for SA people and culture. I can’t wait to return!!"

– Debbie Allison, Earl Enterprises (previously Darden)

Patrick and Dawn Werner

"We were first introduced to South African wine at the 2001 Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Emil den Dulk was pouring their first vintage of De Toren Fusion V. Shortly thereafter, we became Cape Classics “groupies” going to any tasting or dinner to learn more about South African wines. It was through these events and interactions that we learned that Cape Classics stood for “Excellence”. It describes the wine, the employees and customer service that Cape Classics delivers in one word."

– Patrick Werner, Disney

"For our friends and family the legacy Cape Classics will leave is lasting — it is a love of all things South African…not only the wine, but the food, people, community and culture. If it weren’t for the dedicated Cape Classics team we would have never been introduced to De Toren, our gateway to all the region has to offer. It is an understatement to say we have embraced South Africa and are now avid ambassadors for the country. We’ve made the trek to South Africa twice and now hold dear close relationships with so many talented and passionate people including Andre Shearer, Robert Bradshaw, Molly Choi, Emil Den Dulk, Albie Koch and Bruwer Raats…just to name a few."

– Dawn Werner, Disney

Doug Doran

"I first met Andre and Cape Classics in the early days of Seasons 52. Back then George Miliotes (Seasons Master Sommelier) would fly to SA to meet with Andre and his team to blend the coming year of Indaba Chardonnay an our partnership with Indaba afforded me the chance to get to know Andre and all at Cape Classics.

At the very first moment we met; Andre exuded all the wonderful qualities that human beings should aspire to: grace, charm caring and most important to me in the business world, a strong set of ethical values. These traits have carried through in each individual Cape Classics has added to its team as they continue to grow and that just makes Cape Classics a pleasure to partner with.

What is truly outstanding about Cape Classics is their desire to make amazing wines that can be affordable; all the while making wine fun. Wine shouldn’t be intimidating, doesn’t have to be expensive and shouldn’t be taken too seriously; my good friends Andre and Robert get that and bring that to every experience one may have with them. Wine, good laughs and good business.

What makes me respect Cape Classics above all other wines folks I know, is their sense of community and how that plays out to help make a better world. Their commitment to early childhood education through the largess of their Indaba Foundation show me that they are all in business; but the business of helping to make the world a better place to live. To me Cape Classics isn’t a vendor; its a family and I am lucky to feel a part of it."

– Doug Doran

Florence Fabricant

"“For me as a wine-lover as well as a wine journalist Cape Classics wines from South Africa make me grateful. The various labels and the varietals they represent came as an eye-opener, to open the door to a wonderful collection of wines that, at the time, in the 1990’s, were hardly known beyond their country’s borders. They were my passport to discovering chenin blanc and pinotage in particular, and learning to appreciate their quality.”"

– Florence Fabricant, The New York Times

Marc Cohen

"For Western Carriers and for me personally, the story of Cape Classics is a story of corporate culture and genuine partnership.

We were there when Cape Classics received its first container from the Cape Winelands, and we’ve been there ever since, enabling us to watch the story evolve from close range. Through impressive revenue growth, increases in staff, and even a supply chain expansion to a second country (and continent), Cape Classics’ warm, welcoming culture and its fair and professional approach to doing business have remained remarkably consistent."

– Marc Cohen, Western Carriers

Wendy & Hylton Appelbaum

"Cape Classics is family, our big loving family of whom we are proud to be a member. Like all families, they offer guidance and constructive criticism, encouragement and a shoulder to lean on.

Cousin Rob can always be relied upon to know the best books worth reading, the finest braai techniques (for an American) and a different way of looking at life. Sister Molly nurtures and protects us all, whilst living life to the fullest,. Cousin Maryellen is the repository of knowledge about where to eat and naturally there’s Brother Andre.

Andre is care, commitment and passion. His devotion to education, concern for development, love for South Africa, the US, and France is inspirational. Andre, the Renaissance Man, loves people and is interested in everything.

Ultimately an organization’s culture grows out of the quality of those who make it – who live, love, breathe and bleed. Cape Classics is the sum of the extraordinary characters who make it and who embrace the world."

– Wendy & Hylton Appelbaum, DeMorgenzon

John Roenigk

"Well, it’s the people, like André Shearer in the first place, who is always a joy to see in our world and whose outlook and perspective on things is always a pleasure to take in. Then, he seems also to hire wonderful folks such as Robert Bradshaw, Elizabeth Bray and Jaree Freeman and Jared Guzick, who all have worked with us in an enthusiastic, straightforward and ethical way and tirelessly promoted to help make us successful with the wines. But then, importantly, Cape Classics and their producers have always also represented a very high level of quality. "

– John Roenigk, The Austin Wine Merchant

Emma van Eyk

"The most pivotal moment while working at Cape Classics was the day we visited the Sustainability Institute and met the teachers and children at the school, to see first-hand how the Indaba Education Fund is aiding in creating a brighter more positive future for the children. The experience made me feel so proud and privileged to work for a company that is concerned enough to act and give back."

– Emma van Eyk, Cape Classics

Alexandra Patunas

"I am proud to work for a company that ‘breaks rules’ in order to grow as an organization. Being surrounded by ‘outside-the-box’ thinkers inspires me to push myself and never settle for the status quo. I also admire the commitment to paying it forward that is woven into the fabric of the company; IEF epitomizes this ethos."

– Alexandra Patunas, Cape Classics Regional Sales Manager

Kristen Wolfe Bieler

"Being a pioneer is hard. Cape Classics chose the road less traveled, and has worked tirelessly since to promote a category that has struggled to gain ground on our shores. Andre, Rob, Molly and their team’s relentless determination to show the U.S. market how beautiful and characterful the wines of South Africa can be has paved the way for the entire category."

– Kristen Wolfe Bieler, Beverage Media

Chris Underwood

"Cape Classics has built a solid reputation as a pioneering importer. Your 25-year success is a tribute to your commitment and passion for the fantastic wineries you represent. You deserve to celebrate the important role that Cape Classics has played in driving awareness in the U.S. for the wines of South Africa. Congratulations on 25 years!"
– Chris Underwood, CEO, Young’s Market Company

Nicole Ramos

Do you recall the first wine you tried in the portfolio and your reaction to it?

"Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon…been in love with it since!"

– Nicole Ramos, Cape Classics Sales Manager

Philippe Pacalet

"We first ran into André Shearer at the wine show in Saumur and that was followed by a visit to Beaune where Monica and I first met him. We very quickly realized that we had, at last, met someone talking the same language as ourselves and adhering to similar tastes and values. Up until that time, we had always been a bit frustrated by the complexities resulting from the size of the American market, very hard to work in for tiny companies like ours. We then met a number of members on the team and were delighted to find such enthusiasm and professionalism all surrounded by the same core values that we found in Mr. Shearer. We are hoping to discover new areas in the US market which we have not yet explored, thanks to the help we get from Cape Classics and in the meantime, we enjoy having a partner with whom we feel in such harmony."
– Philippe Pacalet, Maison Philippe Pacalet

Jeff Mooney

"The most pivotal moment for me at C/C that really had in impact on me, was my trip to South Africa. It put into perspective that what we do on a regular basis impacts the Families, Worker, and Farms that are all associated with the brands we sell. "
– Jeff Mooney, Chesapeake Regional Sales Manager

Heather Hayes

"It was the first week I started working here and Andre happened to be in town for a few days. He carved time in his busy schedule for a quick chat to get to know me a little better and then enthusiastically clung to every word I had to say. "
– Heather Hayes, Operations Coordinator

Emil den Dulk

"It is with clear distinction that I remember meeting André, Gary and Heinz for the first time in my office at De Toren Private Cellar. It was just after launching the maiden vintage of De Toren Fusion V 1999 and I was scouring the internet for worldwide distributors of top South African Wines.

Eventually I came across Cape Classics, situated in New York according to the details on their website, and of even more interest to me was their portfolio. They had the cream of South African brands in their portfolio. This resulted in me writing to them, but I was answered with the unfortunate news that they were not seeking any new wines for their portfolio. They did however direct me to their South African office, which happened to be on the neighbouring farm.

My persistence and persuasion eventually got them to our farm, with the promise that they only needed to taste our wines… Needless to say, the rest is history. They took on our wines within their portfolio and also started distribution to Europe.

It was Cape Classics that managed to get Robert Parker to taste South African wines for the first time. Our De Toren Fusion V was the first ever wine to be bestowed a magical 90 points on its maiden vintage!"
– Emil den Dulk, Proprietor of De Toren Private Cellar

Rudi Schultz

"My story started off with a great deal of chance-taking. In 2002, after some badgering, my employer agreed to allow me to make some wine under my own label. I sourced a portion of a single vineyards Syrah in 2002 and enthusiastically threw my all into making a small batch, craft gem. Come 18 months later, I sit with 250 cases of Syrah, all ready to sell but with zero plan on how to accomplish that!! At the time my employer was represented in the USA by Andre and Cape Classics. I had to start selling these guys pretty quickly as my little business had been spending cash since day one with no income to show! A gamble was taken, I called Andre, stated my case regarding my little predicament and asked him if he would please taste my Syrah, I was just holding thumbs! I called Andre a few days later to get his impression…..he very politely indicated that the wine was "quiet, no fruit and cork tainted." I must admit I was shattered upon hearing this. Andre then suggested he try a 2nd bottle which I delivered the next day, a few days later we spoke about the 2nd tasting and that was it, Andre saw the potential in the US market and the rest is history. Cape Classics solely put my wine onto the world map and for this I am blessed."
– Rudi Schultz

Michael Fridjhon

"Cape Classics was both a "first of its kind," as well as "one of a kind." It was the first enterprise anywhere in the world whose existence was based on the international potential of fine Cape wine, and it remains the only one which has remained true to that vision."
-Michael Fridjhon, The Reciprocal Wine Trading Company

Zingo Munger

"Cape Classics is all about the people. Salesteam, ops & office, the SA team, Molly, Rob, Andre – it is wonderful to work with such a group of committed, caring professionals."
-Zingo Munger, Cape Classics Regional Sales Manager

Sandy Block

"Passion is an overused word, bordering on cliché, yet its true meaning is exhibited in the rare level of commitment and focus that Andre Shearer, Rob Bradshaw and their entire organization displays."
– Sandy Block MW, Legal Sea Foods

Kara Miller

"The first wine I tasted from the Cape Classics portfolio was Rudi Schultz Syrah, in 2004. I had started working at Union Square Wine in NYC a few months before, and the wine director put this into a blind line-up at the staff Halloween party."
-Kara Miller, Cape Classics Director of Winery & Guest Relations

Colin Cowie

"Having lived in the US for 30 years I was excited to meet Andre Shearer when he was just getting started in the wine export business. I have watched this company grow over the years and bring amazing world class wines, not only from South Africa, but from France too."
-Colin Cowie, South African Lifestyle Guru, Television Personality, Author, Interior Designer & Event Planner

Jay Gruber

"When I was a buyer, I was invited to an event on the rooftop of The Mckittrick Hotel called “Spring to Loire.” As the day went on I was starting to realize that there was one wine in particular that was on another level. That wine was Le Roi des Pierres Sancerre Rosé."
– Jay Gruber, Cape Classics Regional Sales Manager

Philippe Colin

"What first comes to my mind about Cape Classics is how we met. It was by pure chance, back in 2013, that Andre was touring Burgundy with another wine importer and friend who was doing some business with my father, Michel. They popped in at my father’s cellar for a little chat and tasting.Talking about me buying vineyards in Franschhoek, they found out Andre happened to live 20 miles away from Topiary Wines! This was the starting point of a friendly business relationship…

Now, what I like most about Cape Classics is the fact that we are talking here of innovative and forward-thinking people who know their business. They have a story to tell and a strong team spirit; this human-sized company is always looking for new opportunities and challenges and, as opposed to big names in the industry, here you always have someone to talk to. We are in touch on a daily basis, and they visit us both in Burgundy and South Africa."
-Philippe Colin, Domaine Philippe Colin

Maria Kleback

"The first wine I tried was Jam Jar. As part of my interview, I had to create a recipe necker for Jam Jar so I went out and bought a bottle so I could understand the wine a little better. I really enjoyed it and it helped me get through the first round of 2016 debates, so I am forever indebted to Jam Jar for that."
–Maria Kleback, Cape Classics Designer

Sean Coetzee

"Bright, lively and energetic. This company has values, ethics and a deep routed passion for what it does. This company strives to the utmost heights of professionalism and social responsibility. This company is drinking incredibly now and will get better every year. Highly Recommend 100 Point Company."
– Sean Coetzee, Cape Classics West Sales Manager