Port2Port

Port2Port.wine operates as South Africa's largest online marketplace for fine wines and spirits, connecting discerning consumers directly with producers. The company was founded in 2015 by Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel and Vincent Bührer. Pudel, a digital entrepreneur and founder of the digital agency Pier2Pier, brought his expertise in e-commerce solutions to the venture. Bührer, whose family owns the Saxenburg Wine Estate, comes from a multi-generational background in wine and spirits, initially pursuing banking before co-founding Port2Port.

The business functions on a marketplace model, an e-commerce system that enables direct trade between buyers and sellers, thereby simplifying the route to market for producers. This model ensures product integrity by shipping directly from wineries or importers, offering clients authenticity and optimal cellaring conditions at cellar-door prices without traditional retail mark-ups. Port2Port's revenue structure is twofold: it acts as a direct-to-consumer online retailer and also provides its e-commerce platform, logistical infrastructure, and customer service as a white-label solution for other businesses, such as individual wineries.

Initially backed by prominent investors like banking entrepreneur Michael Jordaan's Montegray Capital and Distell, the company has seen significant growth. A major milestone occurred in March 2024 when Norman Goodfellows, a leading South African liquor retailer, acquired a substantial interest in the company. This strategic partnership allows Port2Port to leverage Norman Goodfellows' extensive logistics network and warehousing capabilities while continuing to operate as an independent brand under its current management. The collaboration is set to expand Port2Port's spirits collection to over 1,000 products. The platform features a vast selection of over 2,500 products from 500 producers across more than 15 countries, including South Africa, France, Italy, and Spain.

Keywords: online wine marketplace, fine wine retail, South African wine, spirits e-commerce, direct-to-consumer wine, wine delivery, cellar door price, curated wine selection, wine investment, liquor marketplace, premium spirits, Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel, Vincent Bührer, Norman Goodfellows, Michael Jordaan, wine producers, online liquor store, specialty retail, e-commerce platform, direct from winery