Celebratory bubbles cascaded over guests at the first anniversary of the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito, a historical legacy on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Surrounded by luxury five star accommodation facilities, prominent adventure locations, beautiful warm beaches, nature reserves and game parks, the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar was launched in October 2020 by Enterprise iLembe to offer locals and visitors an experiential tourism offering: a combination of “history and wine”.
The brand Seventeen87 pays homage to the King of the Zulu Nation, King Shaka who was born in 1787. The tasting room boasts of five different cultivars – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage Rose, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
For its role in establishing the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar, Enterprise iLembe received the Small Business Start-up Award at the 2021 Standard Bank KZN Top Business Hybrid Awards this year for turning an idea of the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar into a successful business despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Enterprise iLembe’s newly appointed CEO Linda Mncube told guests at the anniversary celebration that the iLembe district had survived more than a year of the coronavirus pandemic and that should also be celebrated. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the operations of the cellar, more than 1750 bottles of wine have been sold and over 1300 tastings have been held since the launch.
Mncube said, “The Seventeen87 wine cellar management team has been amazing and has worked hard to present what the tasting room has to offer to its customers. He said potential travellers are urged to explore the exquisite and tranquil KZN North Coast with fun and affordable things to do. “Visitors can explore different traditional cultural experiences, animal and reptile farms, nature reserves, walking paths, beach walks and scuba diving, as well as museums, art galleries and art and craft markets.
“It is very important that we have a good and busy December festive season with strict hygiene protocols in place. The KZN North Coast anticipates a bumper summer holiday season with a fun-filled programme of activities that will allow the tourism sector to get back to where they want to be,” he added.
Chairperson of the Board, Xolani Gumede, said, “We thank our shareholder, the iLembe District Municipality, for all the support they have given us, as well as other partners and stakeholders, for making this project a success. The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Siduduzo Gumede, congratulated the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar and the Enterprise iLembe team on the one-year anniversary.
“Enterprise iLembe is the principal instrument for our municipalities to drive economic development in this District. Therefore, the Agency is expected to play a critical role as we confront the current untenable economic reality in the region. www.enterpriseilembe.co.za