Ivan Oertle joined Boland Cellar in October 2018 as International Sales Manager. He was previously at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate as Sales and Marketing Manager and prior to this as a specialist wine consultant for Vinpro and the Wine and Brandy Transformation Unit after a retail career spanning 31 years, latterly as a specialist wine buyer for Woolworths. He also makes his retail wine expertise available as a member of the Western Cape Government’s Department of Agriculture’s Unit of Technical Assistance (UTA) with Casidra.
Oertle matriculated at Bergvliet High in Cape Town, and started work as Foods trainee at Woolworths Stores in 1984, progressing over the next 32 years from Foods Supervisor, Assistant Merchandiser, Merchandiser, Buyer then Senior Buyer to Specialist Wine Buyer in 2010 for a five-year spell. He completed the South African and the International Wine courses in 1999-2000 followed by the Wine Diploma course in 2010 at the Cape Wine Academy.
Over the years Ivan has built up an impressive local and international knowledge of food and wine retailers, including consumer trends. He attended a diverse range of business courses through the Graduate School of Business and the Woolworths Retail Academy. The experience he gained in developing business and brand strategies stand him in good stead as a wine consultant for emerging or established wine businesses.
While wine events and tasting clubs are a big part of his social scene, Oertle also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, travelling, gardening and music.
DISSERTATION: Evaluating the development of emerging South African Black-owned wine companies
Ivan’s dissertation evaluated the development of emerging Black-owned South African wine companies and made recommendations for their sustainable success within the wine industry.
Research and interviews were conducted with wine industry bodies, producers and emerging enterprises. It was found that black-owned wine companies’ development is hindered by the lack of adequate partnerships and mentorship relationships, experience and knowledge as well as funding and integration into the South African wine industry.
