Journey’s End is pleased to announce the appointments of Stephanie von Oppell and Thea van der Merwe, as leading the Marketing team for Journeys End.
Stephanie, with her extensive experience from Penfolds and Diageo, will spearhead our global premiumisation strategy. Based in London, she will focus on expanding our premium presence in key cities worldwide, aligning perfectly with our goal to position Journey’s End as a leader in the wine industry. Thea joins our team in South Africa to lead our brand home premiumisation efforts, following a successful 10-year career at Jordan Wine Estate, where she was actively involved in all aspects of marketing the property. Her expertise will be crucial in enhancing our brand’s presence and prestige in the region, ensuring our local initiatives reflect the global standards of excellence we strive for.
We have already seen remarkable success with Journey’s End in the UK, where it has become one of the top five still wine brands in London’s restaurant scene. We are confident that this success will be replicated globally, as Stephanie and Thea lead our efforts to bring our timeless wine style and commitment to sustainability and community engagement to new heights.
More about Journey’s End
Journey’s End, the boutique estate on the mountain slopes above Sir Lowry’s Pass Village in the Stellenbosch Winelands, was purchased by the Gabb family from the UK in 1995 with a focus on ethically and sustainably producing wines of excellence.
Situated on the south-west facing slopes of the famous Schapenberg Hills, the vineyards, which have ancient 350-million-year-old decomposed granite soils, overlook the nearby False Bay creating one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. As well as fantastic views, the vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing powerful south-easterly wind, known as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which blows in from the icy Atlantic Ocean.
Dynamic winemakers Leon Esterhuizen and Mike Dawson use progressive methods both in the cellar and in the vineyards. These include a minimal intervention philosophy, carbonic maceration, and fermentation and ageing in amphorae and concrete eggs, adding a complex layer to classically elegant wines. A commitment to excellence has seen Journey’s End wines winning multiple prestigious awards over the years, both locally and abroad.
Sustainability and community are high on the agenda at Journey’s End. It was the second wine farm in South Africa to convert to solar power, doing so in 2014 and has been Fairtrade certified since 2017. In 2020, the Journey’s End Foundation was set up to help tackle worsening hunger and poverty in the local community. Since then, it has provided over 4 million meals to those in need. Journey’s End was recognised for this work as ‘Ethical Company of the Year’ at The Drinks Business Green Awards in both 2020 and 2021. Journey’s End also won the Water Management award in 2021. In addition, Journey’s End was recognized as a WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)Conservation Champion in 2021, a prestigious accreditation bestowed upon environmental leaders in the Cape Winelands. Journey’s End is also a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and has achieved carbon negative status. The team believes in drinking well and growing forward, while truly being a force for good.
