But because there is more disposable income in Gauteng, wines often fetch better prices there. The shop delivers wine anywhere in the world, except the United States and Canada, by air, ship or ordinary post. Wine is also packed in secure sixbottle boxes to be carried on to aircrafts. Johnson has supplied wine to politicians and film stars and to members of the White House, Buckingham Palace and the Pentagon. The Cuban cigars were introduced some time ago because of demand from American customers, who cannot buy the cigars because of the trade blockade.
Customers return repeatedly and even tell their friends about the wine shop.
And so the reputation of Vaughan Johnson s shop travels by word of mouth and has never needed formal advertising. But it has not always been easy. In August 1995 police tried to close the store for trading on Sundays even though an application for extended hours had already been filed and was later approved. We are happy to supply you with the addresses of a number of shebeens where you will be able to purchase liquor on Sundays. It still hangs at the back of the shop today - testimony to Johnson's wry sense of humour.