Here's cheers to shared and valued vinery

Much has been made of Perfect China Co Ltd's recent investment in South Africa's wine industry, but little has been said of the friendship that took about six years to evolve first into a joint business venture last year and now the Chinese purchase of the 25-hectare Val de Vie vineyard in the Western Cape.

Hein Koegelenberg, chief executive officer of Leopard's Leap Wines, and Woo Swee Lian, Perfect China's president, stress that their business dealings are steeped in respect and trust between their families. They are also both deeply committed to the principles of social responsibility.

Theirs is a story that underlines the importance of relationships when doing business. China, more than any other country, requires a high level of trust and shared values, Koegelenberg says.