Welcome to episode 1052 in which host Polly Hammond interviews Carolyn Martin of Creation Wines, this week on Uncorked. Today we welcome Carolyn Martin, co-owner of South Africa’ multi-award winning Creation Wines. As a third-generation wine estate owner Carolyn has wine business running in her veins, having served her first customer at the early age of 5! In this episode, we talk about how a customer-first approach has created an unparalleled experience, what fine wine means to her, and how collaboration has been key to their DNA from day one. Let’s get into it! More about today’s guest: Carolyn Martin is the co-owner if Creation Wines in South Africa. With a deep understanding of winery hospitality and a love of food gained from being raised on a working farm and vineyard, Carolyn helped turn a stark, unplanted wilderness into a world-renowned wine destination of its own. Now, 20 years since Creation was born, they are one of South Africa’s shining stars. They were named the 10th most beautiful winery in the world according to World’s Best Vineyards, and in 2021, Carolyn and her team won the Global Winner for Innovative Wine Tourism, highlighting the brand’s focus on creating an adaptable and empowered team. To learn more visit: https://www.facebook.com/creationwines https://www.instagram.com/creationwines/ https://twitter.com/creationwines https://www.linkedin.com/company/creation-wines/ More about the host: Polly is Founder and CEO of 5forests. She splits her time between Barcelona, Auckland, and Napa, consulting, writing, and speaking about the trends that impact today’s wine businesses. She’s an advisor to New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, host of Uncorked with the Italian Wine Podcast, cohost of the Real Business of Wine with Robert Joseph, and, occasionally, a knitter. Polly is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned degrees in International Relations and French. Those studies led to a deep and abiding love affair with behavioral Economics, and her wine work is based on insights into all the crazy and irrational reasons consumers engage with brands. With over 20 years’ experience in growing successful companies, Polly knows first-hand the challenges faced by independent businesses. She approaches each client experience with empathy and understanding for what it takes to adapt and thrive in the real world. To learn more visit: Twitter: @mme_hammond Instagram: @5forests website: https://5forests.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!