South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment Program debuts its newest Wine.

April 20, 2009 - PRLog -- Chateau Leonard selects MDM Distribution to serve as it’s California and National Distribution partner for Phambili Wines.    Phambili Wines is part of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program which the South African Government Launched in the late 1990s.    South Africa's policy of black economic empowerment (BEE) is not simply a moral initiative to redress the wrongs of the past. It is a pragmatic growth strategy that aims to realize the country's full economic potential.

In response to Government initiatives to democratize all South African Industry, 18 formerly disadvantaged workers at the Wamakersvallei Winery in Wellington have established a separate trading entity, the INKQUEBELA PHAMBILI EMPOWERMENT TRUST, as a genuine empowered business within the wine industry. In total, 87 people, including dependants, benefit from this project.  Phamibili means 'Moving Forward' in the local Xhosa language.

The Phambili Trust is an asset owning business responsible for wine treatments and processing, and is looking at ways to add further value to their business through the creation of their own brand PHAMBILI which is being launched in the important US market this year.

All profits from their activities are distributed amongst the workers and their families in accordance with objectives outlined in the Trust.  These include long term investments in Permanent housing, Education and training, and future business development projects.  Newly launched Phambili wines embody the spirit of energy, improvement and progress in South Africa.

The range - a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc blend - is produced to reflect the vitality with which the South African Wine Industry is moving forward. These wines also demonstrate the vibrancy and 'cutting edge' New-World approach of the Nation and the team behind these wines.

The winemaker is internationally known, Christiaan Visser of Wamakersvallei Winery Vineyards.  Christiaan, has consistently made Pinotage that has rated in the top 15 wines of South Africa for the past several years.  

MDM Distribution, located in San Francisco, is a woman owned and operated import and distribution company.  MDM Focuses on boutique wines.

# # #

MDM Distribution is a woman owned and operated wine distribution company located in California. We are focused on Boutique brands.