So… what do I actually do?

So… what do I actually do?

I get asked this question a lot.Usually at tastings. Often at dinner. Sometimes mid-airport lounge.

And honestly? It’s a fair question.

I work in wine — but not in a single lane. I sit at the intersection of wine, people, markets, storytelling, and opportunity. My job is to connect the dots, open doors, and make things happen — especially when it comes to South African wine and international markets.

Here’s what that actually looks like.

First things first: I’m a wine professional (not an influencer)

I’ve been working in and around the wine industry for over seven years, with a background in PR, marketing, brand strategy, wine judging, education, and event curation. I’m WSET-certified, ASI-certified, a wine judge, and deeply embedded in the South African wine ecosystem.

I don’t “review wines for likes.”I work with producers, sommeliers, buyers, hospitality groups, and wine organisations who need real-world strategy, connections, and execution.

I design and lead high-level wine experiences in South Africa

Through Uncorkified, I curate and personally host high-level Cape Winelands wine tours — typically for serious wine lovers, sommeliers, trade professionals, and international visitors.

These aren’t box-ticking tasting room visits.

They’re:

• Thoughtfully paced, region-specific itineraries

• Direct access to winemakers and key decision-makers

• Deep dives into South African wine styles, context, and people

• Designed for people who want insight, not selfies

I lead every tour myself, drawing on my network and knowledge to give guests access they wouldn’t get on their own.

I help South African wine brands think internationally (especially India)

A major focus of my work is international market development, with a particular emphasis on India.

I lived and worked in Mumbai for years before moving to South Africa, and today I sit in a very specific niche: understanding both the South African wine landscape and how markets like India actually work on the ground.

What I do here includes:

• Market education and context-setting (what’s possible, what’s not)

• Strategic introductions and relationship building

• Supporting producers who are India-curious but under-prepared

• Acting as a bridge between South African producers and Indian buyers, sommeliers, and hospitality groups

I don’t sell shortcuts. I help people understand the reality — and decide whether it’s worth pursuing.

I curate wine lists (with personality and purpose)

I develop bespoke wine lists for:

• Restaurants

• Wine bars

• Lodges

• Hospitality projects

My focus is usually on:

• Boutique and characterful producers

• Sustainable, organic, or minimal-intervention wines (where relevant)

• Lists that actually make sense for the venue, the pricing, and the customer

I’m less interested in “what’s impressive on paper” and more interested in what works, what sells, and what tells a story.

I work behind the scenes in wine competitions and education

I’m the Vice Chair of the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) and have been deeply involved in the organisation since 2018.

My work here includes:

• Planning and executing national sommelier competitions

• Managing international relationships (including the ASI)

• Supporting sommelier education and career development

• Acting as a bridge between industry sponsors, sommeliers, and producers

I also judge wine competitions and contribute to the industry from a quality and standards perspective.

I consult, connect, and problem-solve

A big part of what I do doesn’t always fit neatly into a service menu.

People come to me when they need:

• Clarity on where they fit in the wine ecosystem

• Introductions that actually matter

• Someone who understands both brand and trade

• A sounding board for expansion, positioning, or next steps

Sometimes that turns into a project. Sometimes it’s a strategy session. Sometimes it’s a longer-term collaboration.

What it’s never meant to be is vague or unpaid.

In short

I help wine people:

• Navigate complexity

• Access the right rooms

• Tell better stories

• Make smarter moves

Mostly, I help connect South African wine to the wider world — thoughtfully, realistically, and with integrity.

If you’re wondering whether we should talk

If you’re a:

• Wine producer

• Hospitality group

• Wine organisation

• International buyer

• Or someone trying to figure out how (or if) wine fits into your bigger picture

…and you’re asking yourself “Is this the right person to help me?”

You’re probably asking the right question.

📩 Get in touch via erica@uncorkified.com and let’s see if there’s a fit.