South African winery, KWV, launches African Passion in U.S.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new South African wine sold in the United States will raise funds to support human rights and social justice in Africa.

“Just like our passion for wine, we are thrilled to have Danny as our spokesperson while supporting TransAfrica’s passion for social justice.”

KWV, the pioneer in formalizing the South African wine industry, will debut its African Passion line of wines in the U.S. in 2013, with 10 percent of all sales contributed to the TransAfrica Forum. Based in Washington, D.C., TransAfrica promotes diversity and equity in foreign policy and justice for the African world.

Known internationally for wine brands Cathedral Cellar, Roodeberg and KWV Classic, KWV focuses on creating quality wines made from superior grapes sourced from the Western Cape of Africa.

African Passion wines—made in the KWV Cellar of Paarl, in the heart of the Cape wineland—are fruit-forward and balanced by soft maturation characteristics. The seven varietals include:

African Passion Cabernet Sauvignon

African Passion Merlot

African Passion Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

African Passion Moscato

African Passion Sauvignon Blanc

African Passion Chardonnay

African Passion Chenin Blanc

Before launching the brand in U.S. retail outlets, KWV entered African Passion Wines in numerous competitions including the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) convention in Las Vegas, Nev., in April 2012. African Passion Chardonnay was awarded a double gold medal and African Passion Chenin Blanc earned a gold medal. The Ultimate Wine Challenge conducted by Paul Pacult resulted in African Passion wines being strongly recommended and considered a great value with the Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc receiving scores of 86 and 85 respectively.

Actor and activist Danny Glover to launch partnership

KWV and TransAfrica will launch the fundraising partnership at an event in February featuring actor, activist and TransAfrica board chair Danny Glover, who also will serve as spokesperson for African Passion wines.

Glover has been a longtime advocate for enhancing African rights and social justice. He is currently a UNICEF ambassador, and in addition to his leadership of the board of TransAfrica, he is a board member for the Jazz Foundation of America.

“Our involvement with African Passion wine has been a blessing for our organization,” said Nicole Lee, president of TransAfrica Forum. “In addition to the ongoing support from the brand, the partnership allows us to spread awareness towards our overall mission of promoting diversity, equity and justice for the African world.”

“We are passionate about producing quality wines crafted with extraordinary skill and dedication,” said David Salmon, KWV U.S.A.’s regional director. “Just like our passion for wine, we are thrilled to have Danny as our spokesperson while supporting TransAfrica’s passion for social justice.”

The launch event, “An Evening with Danny Glover,” takes place in Washington D.C. on February 20 at Eatonville (2121 14^th St NW). Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by visiting www.transafrica.org. Proceeds from the event will support D.C. based TransAfrica Forum.

For more information on African Passion Wines, visit www.africanpassionwines.com, “Like” us at Facebook.com/AfricanPassionWines or follow us on Twitter @African_Passion.

About KWV

Established in 1918, KWV played a key role in organizing and regulating the burgeoning South African wine and spirits industry, and today produces a broad portfolio of wine and spirits brands. Its products have received accolades in South Africa and internationally for being some of the best in their respective categories.

Based in Paarl, South Africa, KWV products available in the U.S. include the African Passion and KWV Classic Collection lines of varietals, as well as BERRAZ Sweet Shiraz and Wild Africa Cream, a liqueur.

KWV’s U.S. operations are based in Louisville, Ky.