On our beautiful chat with one of the founders on The Wine Drops, we hear from Ronel van Vuuren, Co-Founder of The Wine Drops Co (Pty) Ltd, sharing a compelling narrative of a journey that began over 15 years ago, evolving into a groundbreaking venture that seeks to redefine the wine-drinking experience. Born in Tshwane, both Ronel and Co-Founder Sean Rau found themselves drawn to Cape Town more than a decade ago, where their love for wine and the inception of The Wine Drops unfolded.
From a personal perspective, Ronel reflects on the excitement that a new year brings, symbolizing a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with life's vibrant experiences. In the business realm, each new year for The Wine Drops Company signifies renewed energy and purpose, an opportunity to innovate and contribute to the enjoyment of wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The Wine Drops, born out of necessity, started as a personal solution to Ronel's sensitivity to sulphites. Working on a wine farm in the Western Cape, surrounded by experts and enthusiasts, Ronel felt like an outsider due to her inability to share a glass of wine. The inspiration for The Wine Drops arose from the labels stating, "contains sulphites," leading to a winemaking perspective that aimed to reduce preservatives in wine.
The Wine Drops, a solution that reduces sulphites in all wines, transforms them into harmless sulphates after adding 2 to 3 drops. This process occurs in the glass or bottle before consumption, allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy their favourite wines with reduced preservatives. Ronel highlights that the "side effect" is a shorter shelf life for treated wine, requiring prompt consumption.
Admitting that public awareness is not where it should be, Ronel acknowledges the challenges of being a small business with a new product. Despite remarkable growth through promotion and positive word-of-mouth, broader education efforts require substantial resources. The focus on local markets and the aim to be sourced by larger retailers demonstrate a commitment to expanding outreach and achieving greater visibility.
The Wine Drops Company has navigated remarkable highlights, overcoming challenges since its launch in 2019 amid the global pandemic. Demonstrating month-to-month growth during lockdowns and alcohol bans in South Africa, the company achieved milestones such as Proudly South African association, CSD certifications, and partnerships with renowned retailers.
Beyond business, Ronel and Sean find solace in personal passions. Ronel, having transitioned from the corporate realm to entrepreneurship, expresses her love for creativity through dot art and crafting custom-engraved music boxes. Sean, a talented photographer, captures the beauty of the country, enhancing his love for nature through mountain biking. Shared passions include travel, camping, and savouring the outdoors, providing moments of inspiration beyond the business world.
Addressing the need for continued education, Ronel expresses pride in The Wine Drops and plans to increase public awareness. Utilizing various platforms like social media, print media, and radio, alongside partnerships with leading retailers, the company also focus on expanding online presence. Currently, The Wine Drops is available at Takealot, Norman Goodfellows and on their site. The journey of The Wine Drops Company is more than a business; it's a promise of excellence, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges, inviting wine enthusiasts to join them on a pure and unadulterated experience.