With the weather turning colder and most tourists now home, David welcomed the quieter time of year as a chance to slow down, take stock of the past six months and look ahead to the next. Despite a global contraction in the wine industry, the business is doing well, a result Ex Animo puts down to keeping customers at the centre of everything and staying nimble in the market.

The team has increased the number of events for both trade and consumers, and is seeing a more diverse crowd come through the door. It is still early days for the new ticketing platforms, though initial signs suggest they work better for larger events than for smaller, more intimate ones.

Wine bundles have moved to the front of the offer. Always available in the past, they are now being led with more prominently, and the team is still refining how best to market these “one-stop shop” options, such as a mixed box of six bottles. Alongside this, David has stepped back from a partner newsletter in favour of a monthly podcast about South African wine, which is proving easier to produce.

The podcast is already drawing interest from potential sponsors and industry figures. David is currently editing the third episode and sees it as a positive way to open up information within the industry, helped considerably by a co-host who is a prominent South African wine critic, widening the audience further.

On referrals, the team has introduced an offer tied to its new monthly wine club, allowing established members to refer friends in exchange for a percentage off. They continue to refine the club’s unique value around access and curated selection.

David ended with a congratulatory message to the team, praising their passion, energy and flexibility throughout the collaboration.