An investment group led by Third Leaf Partners acquired Mulderbosch Vineyards at the end of 2018. This recent acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the acclaimed Stellenbosch winery.
CEO Chrianto Oosthuizen and Head of Winemaking Adam Mason both joined Mulderbosch in 2012, and as part of the acquisition have become shareholders in the business, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the company. “We have only really scratched the surface of this brand in my opinion and I look forward to unlocking its potential with new ownership over the coming years”, says Mason.
Oosthuizen highlighted his excitement with having partners with a long-term investment horizon and specialization in global wine business. “We are excited to take this next step. This move will finally cement our place in the US market.”
Seen as a shift in gear for Mulderbosch Vineyards, both Oosthuizen and Mason are especially excited that henceforth all US distribution will be overseen by Third Leaf Wines, a sales and marketing platform owned by Third Leaf Partners.
Third Leaf Partners is a San Francisco-based investment and advisory company run by Managing Partners Alex Pagon, Aaron Faust and John Micek. The company invests in, manages, advises and operates global beverage and luxury hospitality businesses, including VINNY and Empire Estate (New York), ENTER.Sake (Japan), WineBid (Napa and Seattle), Chatterbox (Napa) and now Mulderbosch Vineyards (South Africa).
Mulderbosch was established in 1989 with its first vintage in 1992 and has since gained a reputation for excellence and innovation in wines. It has paved the way for South African wine in the US, consistently reaching sales figures of over 40,000 cases annually.
As a respected industry commentator recently tweeted on hearing the news: “Mulderbosch deserves an owner willing and able to bring the brand the limelight it’s worthy of”. The team couldn’t agree more.
For more information on Mulderbosch Vineyards, contact Chrianto Oosthuizen at chrianto@mulderbosch.co.za or 021 881 8140.