Carla Van Der Merwe Email and Phone Number

July 2024 - present (Franskraal, South Africa)November 2023 - June 2024 (Bologna, Italy) 🇮🇹 July 2023 - October 2023 (Paarl, South Africa) 🇿🇦

MARKETING- Planning and coordination for a variety of events- Brainstorming advertising avenues- Coordinating marketing logistics- Researching marketing channelsCOMMUNICATION- Manage social content calendars for: - Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate - Benguela Dining - Benguela Brasserie & Restaurant - Benguela on Main - Lakeside Lodge & Spa- Plan, create and proof social content across all brands- Write and distribute press releases across all brands- Manage public relations across all brands- Write tasting notes for all Benguela Cove and Matilda's Secret winesAs Communication Strategist I'm responsible for drafting, crafting and proofing marketing/internal copy for a range of ATL and BTL elements (i.e. advertisements, brochures, flyers, posters, emailers, invitations, newsletters, billboards, websites and ad hoc projects). I'm also responsible for ensuring that all our content is on brand, and both grammatically and factually correct.

DIRECT MARKETING- Create and distribute monthly newsletters- Maintain and grow private client database- Manage and update social media platforms- Write and distribute all press releases- Respond to all guest queries- Complete all local and international competition entries- Facilitate logistics with regards to order deliveries- Liaise with third party designers on marketing collateral- Create ad hoc marketing collateral for sales use- Assist at festivals with tastings- Investigate marketing opportunities- Deal with local and international press queries- Manage website updatesTASTING ROOM / DIRECT SALES- Manage the Tasting Room - Supervise full-time and casual staff- Conduct VIP tastings and tours- Maintain stock levels and daily stock take- Train full-time and casual staff- Recruit new staff when required- Do daily cash ups and monthly recon- Determine pricing and tasting fee structure- Set targets and budgets- Cater to VIP guests- Assist in the set-up for farm-based events- Manage switchboard operations- Ordering/Procurement of new promotional stock- Update all tasting notes and fact sheets- Source uniformsOFFICE ADMINISTRATION- Invoice local and international debtors on Pastel - Do export certificates online- Manage the Administration Office- Supervise full-time and casual staff- Ensure filing is up to date and correct- Ensure sundries and stationery is ordered monthly- Manage General Manager’s local travel bookings- Report maintenance related issues- Take and distribute Management Meeting Minutes

As Copywriter I was responsible for drafting, crafting and proofing marketing/internal copy for a range of ATL and BTL elements (i.e. advertisements, brochures, flyers, posters, emailers, invitations, scripts, SMSs, letters, internal communication and ad hoc projects). I was also responsible for ensuring that all our content was on brand, and both grammatically and factually correct.

As News Editor I was responsible for editing and generating content for the wine.co.za site. I was also in charge of managing the wine.co.za Facebook and Twitter pages as well as other Social Media content.

As Wine Brand Ambassador I assisted in marketing the two wine brands associated with Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. The two brands were; Angels Tears Wines and Grande Provence Wines. I helped to update and rebrand the Angels Tears collection of wines. I did research on emerging markets and helped to forge bonds with a North African wine importer. I also worked at festivals, special events and private wine evenings. I gained experience in direct marketing (telemarketing and retail) and social media/internet marketing (Facebook, twitter and electronic newsletters).