Nicolaas Wilem Smit (Nico) was born and bred in Paarl, the heart of the Cape Winelands. He joined the wine industry at the age of 19. While working full time in the Industry, Nico dedicated himself to expanding his knowledge both in Marketing and Sales, by obtaining a National Diploma in Marketing and Sales at Boland College and BComm Degree in Business Marketing at the University of South Africa. He recently obtained a Diploma in Wine through Cape Wine Academy, ensuring he stays efficacious.

In the last 20 years, Nico had the privilege to have worked with some of the biggest brands in the Wine Industry, such as the largest South African wine producer Namaqua Wines as well as the Largest Family-owned South African winery, Van Loveren Wines. He held various positions which including Sales & Marketing Manager and General Manager of Global and Local sales.

Staying involved in all the facets of the industry is a passion for Nico, so after having the added experience of representing E&J.Gallo in South Africa for some years, Nico took his overall industry knowledge and started his own consulting business, Wine Biz Consult (Pty)Ltd in 2019.

He extended his professional portfolio and is a Director at Cape Wine Group, a Sales and Distribution company specializing in Supermarket and Wholesale route to market solutions as well as jointly owning, Clear Mountain Wines (Pty) Ltd, an Import and bulk distribution company.  He recently established his own wine brand, Jacques Mouton Wines, which is a 100% Franschhoek appellation range, produced by La Couronne Wine Estate.