Northeast takes on Klein Constantia

Hong Kong wine company, Northeast has announced that it has taken on the exclusive importing and distribution rights to premium South African estate, Klein Constantia.

Northeast’s managing director, Betsy Haynes said that following six months of discussions with the estate, the time was right to make the announcement just before Vinexpo Hong Kong.

“We are very proud to welcome Klein Constantia to our strong South African portfolio and we believe this confirms our commitment to this rapidly growing market in Hong Kong,” she said.

Hans Astrom, managing director and partner of Klein Constantia said he thought the future looked promising in Hong Kong for all South African Wines. South Africa is currently Hong Kong’s tenth largest wine importing country by volume. 

“We have enjoyed success in Hong Kong for many years now but we think the Northeast team really understand our wines and where they fit in.”

Dating back to 1685, Klein Constantia is one of South Africa’s oldest wineries and its position in the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, with views across False Bay enables it to make some of South Africa’s premium cool climate wines but it is best-known for its dessert wine, Vin de Constance.

Vin de Constance made headlines when it was served to Chinese President, XI Jinping at the official state dinner in England with Queen Elizabeth last year.

The current vintage of 2012 will be released onto the Hong Kong market at Vinexpo. Matt Day, the chief winemaker at Klein Constantia said to the drinks business recently, that he planned to take Vin de Constance “in a fresh direction.”

Astrom said he was upbeat about the upcoming vintage release, adding: “This is the first time we have released a vintage in HK and we are pleased that it is such a good one,”

Klein Constantia was previously imported by ASC Fine Wines in Hong Kong.