The Team

Cuvées Classiques is a start-up venture formed by a group of champagne-loving friends who, after an unforgettable trip to the Champagne region finishing in the Côtes des Blancs, saw a unique opportunity to bring directly to you superb-quality bubbles at unquestionably sweet prices compared with the better-known Grandes Marques. Our vision swiftly found feet when we were invited to take on the licence to market Drappier and Duval-Leroy in South Africa. There simply was no turning back. We caught the next plane out, our champagne expert Allan Mullins firmly in tow (more about our team members below) to meet with these two prestigious champagne houses, as well as the refined Jacquesson and a handful of eager, smaller producers keen to make inroads on South African turf.

Meet the Team

Our four members together have considerable expertise in the areas of wine importation, marketing and distribution and have pooled their talents to focus specifically on penetrating and expanding the champagne market in South Africa, which we feel inadequately presents the full spectrum of different quality and value wines available from the Champagne area.

John Newton, previously financial director of Wooltru Limited, brings amongst other things, his diverse financial experience and business acumen.
Jane Greenwood, formerly of Origen Commodities (Zimbabwe), dealt in the import/export of agricultural products, and brings her considerable marketing flair and experience.
	Cathy Skinner is part of the Cuvees Classiques team in Cape Town. She is our book keeper, does all the invoicing, shipping, stock control, running the operations and generally organising everything! If you need to place an order , book an event or get information, she is the person to call. Contact Cathy
	And ace in our pack is Cape Wine Master Allan Mullins, previously involved in the importation and distribution of Ruinart, as well as the promotion of Charles Heidsieck. He is presently senior wine buyer for Woolworths. Allan’s speciality is champagne – particularly as his Wine Master’s thesis was on this very subject.
Junel Vermeulen is our representative in Johannesburg and markets our portfolio of champagnes for us in the Gauteng area. She is a Cape Wine master who is completely passionate about wine and champagne. She does a lot of corporate wine and champagne tastings as well as training for the Cape Wine academy and judging on various wine competitions. If you would like a trade visit or to organise a champagne event in the Gauteng area, please contact her.