By Emily James: Columnist

EXPLORING THE GLOBAL MARKET FOR FINE WINE
Houghton & Mackay supports brands with a strong story and an eye for luxury. We are excited for Spring 2025 which will see a shiny new ‘ultra-luxury beacon’ entering the fine wine market from wine experts; Belle Montagne, based in South Africa.
The intriguing origin story of Belle Montagne traces back to its founder, Nick Holland who spent a large portion of his career in the mining industry. During this time he discovered the beauty and rarity of gold. It is with this same appreciation for luxury that he created Belle Montagne with his wife Roslyn.
They have set up their base in Franschhoek Valley, South Africa where they continue to explore avenues for increasing global awareness of their prestigious wines in line with their vision. ‘Belle Montagne offers an exclusive lifestyle experience forged from a passion for creating the most coveted, sought-after wines from South Africa.’

Their ethos is not only focused on the consumption and enjoyment of drinking wine, it is more about the rich cultural experience.
Many wine connoisseurs will relate to the importance of the finer details; the textures, the scent, the presentation and the passion. With each sip you are given a chance to reflect on the knowledge and passion of its team of creators, connect to the beauty of fine living and appreciate an authentic product brought to you from South Africa. For the creators at Belle Montagne, life is about taking time to connect with the origins of the products we enjoy; considering the entire process and mindset of its creators.

In addition to this, each cuvée will be delivered to you in bespoke wrapping, highlighting the brand’s emphasis on luxury and refinement. ‘Each bottle is adorned with a gold crest and secured with a signature leather strap’. Achieving a further level of luxury, each cuvée will be in a velvet-lined presentation box; the interior of which features the Belle Montagne’s emblem. They have considered every detail as each collector will also receive a certificate of authenticity.
Belle Montagne have made their service mouth-wateringly simple for those who may live across the globe. Their three cuvées: a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz, are released quarterly and ‘air freighted directly to your cellar’. This journey is another way of connecting with the story of the origin of the wine, and recognising the distance travelled adds a layer of appreciation and satisfaction.
…a highly sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon – ‘a varietal synonymous with the world’s most prestigious wine appellations’

Fortunately for the wine lovers out there, Belle Montagne have revealed their debut wine will be launching in March 2025. This is a highly sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon – ‘a varietal synonymous with the world’s most prestigious wine appellations’.
The connoisseur will be enticed by its essence of dark fruit, cassis, and cedar, ‘unfolding into layers of velvety tannins, lush berries, chocolate, and a touch of dried herbs’. This is a highly complex wine, making it delectable for those who enjoy wine tasting and deciphering essences.
There are exclusive offers available only to members with 500 exclusive allocations available worldwide, each valued at $3000.
Each allocation includes the full collection delivered at quarterly releases, as well as priority access to new and older vintage wines through the Belle Montagne store. The Belle Montagne wine membership club will release the first of its wine collection from March 2025 and is set to be one of the most prestigious cuvées from South Africa. To join this extraordinary community, visit the links below to begin the journey into the unparalleled world of Belle Montagne.
For more information, please contact bellemontagne@akacomms.com
Website www.bellemontagnewine.com
Instagram: @bellemontagnewine