Meet Samantha Blackbeard | Founder & Wine Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Blackbeard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I think starting my own business was a natural evolution of my experience, passion for wine, and creative personality. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and ideas, and working in the wine industry gave me the opportunity to connect deeply with both. Over the years, I noticed a sad consistency in the market – while South African wines are world-class, they weren’t being showcased in the luxury segment with the reverence they deserve. I also had to listen to the entrepreneurial voice that was growing within me and take the risk to start – to elevate South African wine to its true value by blending fine wine with fine art as an unparalleled experience. Setting a new standard for luxury New World wines.

The thought process behind starting Cuvée Wine was birthed around showcasing the best wines with its own art through a luxurious experience – a brand that not only elevates South African wines but also integrates art and storytelling to offer an immersive experience through packaging like never before. I wanted to combine the exceptional talent of our winemakers with the creative expressions of South African artists to craft a product that’s more than wine; it’s a celebration of heritage and innovation.

It was also about taking control of my journey and how I could influence South African wine for the better. I knew that starting a business meant taking risks, but it also meant having the freedom to bring my vision to life and market wine in a non-traditional sense. It is a reflection of my belief in South Africa’s ability to boldly compete in the global luxury market and my commitment to showcasing the beauty and complexity of our wines to the world through curation and innovation.

The essence of Cuvée Wine lies in crafting something exquisitely rare and truly exceptional – a masterpiece of modern artistry that captivates the imagination. It’s coveted by many, yet attainable only by the select few who appreciate its unparalleled beauty and significance.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cuvée Wine is more than just a wine brand; it’s a celebration of artistry, heritage, and the exceptional talent found in South Africa. What sets us apart is the fusion of fine wine and fine art as one in limited edition collections. Each collection is a carefully curated experience, combining sustainable New World wines with exclusive artwork created by renowned South African artists to tell its story. We don’t just sell wine; we offer a journey that’s immersive, luxurious, and most importantly – has purpose.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how Cuvée Wine is elevating the perception of South African wines in the global luxury market. Launching with our debut collection, Vinum Hereditas, we’ve created an offering that showcases the extraordinary quality and craftsmanship of South Africa. The first edition consists of three exceptional red wines by one exceptional winemaker, a book about the wines and art featured as labels by a renowned artist. There are only 300 editions that exist and is available on allocation or request. Each collection will have different narratives, and seeing the positive reception has been incredibly fulfilling.

Getting to this point was not easy. The journey has been filled with many challenges, from navigating logistics and supply chains to ensuring our packaging and branding met the exacting standards of luxury markets. We have spent many months perfecting our custom boxes to reflect the same level of artistry as the wines and artworks they house. When faced with obstacles, my mindset has always been to adapt, stay resilient, and never compromise on quality whilst being sustainable.

Some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way are the importance of persistence and attention to detail whilst never losing your purpose. In the luxury space, every element matters, and you only have a limited chance to make a lasting impression. I’ve also learned that collaboration is essential – whether it’s with winemakers, artists, or business mentors, surrounding yourself with passionate, talented individuals is invaluable.

What I want the world to know about Cuvée Wine is that is an authentic innovation of two worlds of similarity and difference – wine and art. We aim to bring something truly unique to the wine world – a valuable experience that goes beyond the glass. My hope is that through Cuvée, people not only discover extraordinary wines but also develop a deeper appreciation for the stories, artistry, and passion of South Africa.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would happily craft a week to highlight the art, vibrant culture, and vast beauty of Los Angeles. We’d start in Santa Monica and Venice, taking in the vibe of Abbot Kinney with its boutique shops, savouring the pear salad and pizzas at Gjelina, and enjoying Santa Monica Pier. A visit to the Getty Villa in Malibu would be a standout moment, with its Roman-inspired architecture, gardens, and huge collection of ancient artefacts with bold stories. We’d end the day with wine and dinner in Malibu, where the coastal views at sunset rival the exceptional cuisine.

Our cultural stops would include the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, showcasing European masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet (to name a few). Downtown LA would bring us to The Broad Museum, with its contemporary art from visionaries like Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama. The day wouldn’t be complete without tacos at a West Hollywood spot and a stroll along the Walk of Fame, soaking in the Hollywood buzz. The Griffith Observatory as a sunset spot shows you how massive this city actually is!

For a luxurious touch, we’d enjoy the caesar salad and focaccia at the the Polo Lounge at Beverly Hills Hotel, known for its exceptional wine list and timeless charm, followed by window shopping on Rodeo Drive. A visit to Erewhon would be essential for its curated selection of wellness-inspired bites and beautifully designed packaging that always intrigue me.

For a more wine-centric experience, we’d visit Esters Wine Shop & Bar, Wally’s or Venice Beach Wines, all offering curated wines, knowledgeable staff, and delicious food. For unique gifts and stylish apparel, we’d explore Deus Ex Machina in Venice for its cool aesthetic, and stop by Brave Star Selvage in Culver City to discover top-quality American-made raw selvage denim – an absolute must for heritage style lovers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I firmly believe that no journey is ever accomplished alone, and I’m immensely grateful for the people and experiences that have shaped my path. My parents, who always believed in me and supported my dreams and abilities, deserve a heartfelt shoutout. Their encouragement has been the foundation of everything I set out achieve in this complex world.

I thank my husband, whose love and understanding have been my anchor throughout this journey. His belief in me and my vision has been a source of strength and motivation, especially during the more challenging moments that require many sacrifices.

Additionally, I’m deeply grateful to the incredibly talented individuals that I have the privilege to work with and their trust in me to share their story. A special mention goes to Wade Metzer, whose unwavering passion and dedication to South African wine inspires me, and Matthew Hindley, whose renowned talent brought the fascinating narrative of Wade’s wines to life through his insane art.

Website: https://www.cuveewine.info

Instagram: @cuveecollection

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-b-502812139