Enquire
Sorry about that! We encountered an issue. We suggest trying to submit the form again later.Message Submitted
Thank you for your inquiry! We're delighted to hear of your interest in our artwork. Our team is reviewing your request and will get back to you shortly.
000%
Southern Guild partners with innovative new wine brand IBest Wines
16 Feb 2024 (2 min) read
Southern Guild joined forces with transformational wine brand, IBest Wines, to showcase exceptional creative talent from the continent at the recent opening of its Los Angeles gallery and at a private viewing of Rich Mnisi's solo exhibition, Dzuvula (Shedding Skin), during Cape Town Art week.
When it came to creating her own wine brand, wine negociant Ingrid Best chose South Africa as its birthplace. The American entrepreneur had fallen in love with the country on a trip in 2018 and wanted to showcase the Stellenbosch wine-making region's exceptional wines. In the two years leading up to the launch of IBest Wines in 2023, she spent a lot of time in South Africa, doing research, forming close connections with the place and its people, and crafting her blends in close collaboration with Stellenbosch Vineyards. Best, a keen art collector, also had a clear mission to use her new wine brand as a platform to spotlight and connect global creatives from diverse backgrounds.
She had worked in the wine and spirits industry for 20 years as a marketing executive for some of the largest suppliers, including Diageo, Moët Hennesy and Bacardi. Every step of the way, she advocated for the appointment of Black and Brown women to key positions in the industry.
IBest Wines takes a similar, transformational approach, drawing attention to the world's underrepresented wine regions and highlighting the talents of exceptional artists on its platform.
“We share so many common interests with Ingrid that a friendship seemed inevitable,” said Trevyn McGowan, co-founder of Southern Guild. “We are guided by a shared passion for female entrepreneurship, a vital connection to both the spirit and earth of this place we call home. And with our new gallery set to open in Los Angeles, we are also propelled by a desire for collaboration and cultural exchange.”
This synergy set the tone for a joyous bringing together of the South African and Californian art communities at the recent opening of Southern Guild's new gallery in Los Angeles – a 5,000 sqft space situated in the new creative hub of Melrose Hill. The milestone event, including a private preview on 22 February and a larger opening party two nights later, were attended by hundreds of locals who enjoyed IBest's two blends – a red and a white – as well as Bisquit & Dubouché cognac cocktails.
The week before the LA opening, IBest launched to the South African market at Southern Guild's Cape Town gallery, with a private viewing and walkabout of Rich Mnisi's solo exhibition, Dzuvula (Shedding Skin), during Cape Town Art week. The designer spoke about his conceptual and technical process, and shared many of the personal narratives that led to the creation of the works in Dzuvula: a cement chaise, twisting chandelier, pair of sheepskin armchairs, a handwoven rug and various pieces of bronze furniture.
IBest Wines is available in the US on IBest Wines and at select retailers; and in South Africa exclusively via the brand’s vineyard partner Stellenbosch Vineyards.