Written by Jess Tyrrell
Do you consider yourself an oenophile? (i.e. someone who is really enthusiastic about drinking, sniffing, sipping, swirling – and maybe even spitting– wine). Do you think every box of raisins is a tragic tale of grapes that could have been wine? Suppose you answered yes to either of these questions. In that case, we encourage you to stop, take a big sip of your favourite vino, and expand your wine aficionado horizons by reading and supporting these 12 pioneering Black-owned wineries and wines in South Africa.
South Africa’s renowned wine industry has been thriving since the 1600s, so much so that wine is South Africa’s 2nd largest agricultural export, helping the country land the 8th spot on the world’s largest wine producers list. Success in the competitive viticultural and export worlds is no easy – or cheap – feat. There are astronomical costs involved with investing in the best grapes, oak barrels, winemakers, and marketers, and a winemaker’s ability to tap into local and international distribution channels.
Alongside the financial obstacles, Black people were historically denied access to participate in the wine industry due to the legacy of Apartheid. As a result, it is intelligible that in post-Apartheid South Africa, only 60 of the 2.800 wine farmers are Black (and less than 2% own their working land). Despite the challenges and setbacks that the Black wine-making community has faced in competing for their place in the wine industry, several budding Black-owned wineries and wines in South Africa have begun making their stomp.
Impilo to the 12 we’ve included below:
The House of Mandela
As its name suggests, the House of Mandela is a Mandela family affair. Founded by Nelson Mandela’s daughter – Maki– and his granddaughter – Tukwini– House of Mandela’s wines pays homage to the South African story, the rainbow nation, and their family’s legacy. Each (gorgeous) bottle celebrates a distinct piece of Africa, her history, and her people. All the varieties are approved and chosen by the mother-daughter duo and sourced from various regions of South Africa. There are 3 collections of wines: Phumla – isiXhosa for “rest”, the name of Evelyn and Nelson Mandela’s last-born child – houses a Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. There is a Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in the King Vusani collection, named after the Thembu nation’s ancestor. Lastly, the Thembu Tribute collection finds inspiration in the Thembu clan and includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz.
To purchase, you can visit D’Aria wine estate just outside Cape Town, the House Of Mandela Lifestyle Store in Sandton City, Johannesburg, or online on D’Aria’s website.
Click here for the complete catalogue.
Ses’fikile Wine
Ses’fikile Wine, an exclusively female-owned and run wine business, represents the African Renaissance. Founded by lifetime oenophile Gugulethu-born Nondumiso Pikashe, Ses’fikile is a de-stigmatising nod to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2010, Nondumiso launched Ses’fikile – “we have arrived” in isiXhosa– through the Massmart Supplier Development Program after years of navigating the challenges of lack of opportunity. Having taught for 11 years, Nondumiso is now determined to teach school dropouts how to be entrepreneurs. Ses’fikile Wines – a Shiraz, Merlot and Chenin Blanc, among others – are handcrafted in the Swartberg and available at Makro stores across South Africa and online.
Aslina
Aslina’s founder and owner, Ntsiki Biyeli, is the first Black female winemaker in South Africa. She grew up in a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal before being awarded a scholarship to study winemaking with Stellenbosch University in 1999. Ntsiki named Aslina after her beloved grandmother, who was a guiding light in her life. Ntsiki has won several prestigious international awards, including the Diversity and Transformation Award for her pioneering work in the industry in South Africa and a listing in the world’s Top 10 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink. Her wines are also showstoppers and have won numerous awards. Ntsiki sits on the board of directors for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, which provides technical training and personal development for young South Africans in the Cape Winelands, preparing them for the wine and tourism industries.
Now onto her wine…
Aslina’s premium collection consists of a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, and an Umsasane – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The Umsasane, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have all won repeated golds in international competitions. She currently exports about 36.000 bottles a year, mostly to the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands.
You can find a list of South African and international distributors and shop online on Aslina’s website. Be sure to give Ntsiki’s story a watch in the award-winning documentary, The Colour of Wine, which tells a story about South Africa´s transition from apartheid to democracy through the personal journeys of 4 Black winemakers.
M’hudi Boutique Family Wines
M’hudi – Setswana for ‘harvester’– is the first entirely Black-owned wine tourism farm in South Africa! M’hudi’s wines tells the brave tale of M’hudi, the bold heroine who succeeded against impossible odds. Owned by the Rangaka family, their 42 ha vineyard is positioned close to the winemaking capital of South Africa, Stellenbosch. Starting with very little winemaking knowledge but tons of ambition, the next door Villiera Wines assisted the Rangaka’s in the inauguration of their journey. Family is the heart and soul of their business, and they invite you to join theirs by embracing an authentic African wine experience.
Enjoy Harold’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Medley, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, and the family’s award-winning Cabernet, Foro’s Legacy, Pinotage and Barrel fermented, all in a tasting at their wine farm (book with rae-leigh@mhudi.com), or shop their wines online.
The Bridge of Hope Wines
While doing a research task for a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership, Rosemary Mosia was so inspired by the wine industry in South Africa that she decided to pioneer her own brand! The Bridge of Hopes’ award-winning wines are produced from meticulously selected grapes by the local farm team on Linton Park Wine Estate in Wellington. Rosemary’s wines are exported all across the globe, 2 million bottles, to be exact! Social responsibility is a passion of Rosemary’s. Driven by the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Associations’ ethos, she prioritises balancing nature and people. She assists Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in the wine industry to improve employment opportunities.
The Bridge of Hopes Ultra Premium Collection, Premium Collection, and Classic Collection, encompassing red, white and everything in-between, are available at most bottle stores in South Africa and can also be ordered online.
Magna Carta Wines
Magna Carta Wines is the brainchild of ex-investment banker Mphumi Ndlangisa. Mphumi’s upbringing in rural KwaZulu-Natal inspired his love for nature and agriculture. His passion for wine came afterwards when he tasted his first sip while studying at the University of Cape Town. Magna Carta has grown from a 1-man show in a single leased cellar to a fully-fledged team permanently based in Woodstock. They produce around 10.000 bottles a year, 70% of which are exported. Magna Carta’s range comprises more than 8 small-batch wines using top-quality grapes from organic growers in the Elgin Valley. Mphumi’s wine making process uses no mechanical or chemical intervention, meaning all wines are made by hand. The name ‘Magna Charta’ is a nod to the historic charter that is considered a foundation of civil liberty.
Get your hands (and lips) on a bottle(s) of Magna Carta at most alcohol retailers in South Africa (and online).
Bayede!
All hail the King! Or in isiZulu, Bayede! The Royal Bayede(!) brand salutes both the late King Shaka Zulu and the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu; each bottle bearing the official crest of the Zulu Royal household. Inspired by the royal family, Bayede(!) was built to provide much needed sustainable employment and empowerment opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Local communities develop the full range of products, which includes olive oils and balsamic vinegars, coffee, craft beer, gin, brandy, and wine!
You can marvel at their complete range in Paarl, or restock your pantry by ordering on their website.
Lathitha Wines
Lathitha Wines, ‘sunrise’ in isixhosa, is a black economic empowerment initiative that began in the leafy vineyards of Stellenbosch. Run by Sheila Hlanjwa, Lathitha Wines focuses on uplifting underprivileged communities by demonstrating the joys and opportunities of winemaking. Lathitha Wines develops 4 wines on Hoopenburg Wine Estate: a Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon. Get your order in online.
Kumusha
Zimbabwean-born Tinashe Nyumudoka worked his way from grocery store cashier to cutlery polisher, to waiter, the position that opened his eyes to being a sommelier. In 2013 he won the Reaching for the Young Stars Best Wine Steward Award and has since decorated himself in several sommelier and business management qualifications. Together with the family wine estate, Opstal, in the Slanghoek valley, Tinashe started blending his own wines in 2017. And so Kumusha was born. Kumusha wines are now exported to the USA, Zimbabwe, Kenya and the Netherlands! Entrepreneurial Tinashe is also a member of Team Zim, Zimbabwe’s first tasting team, a wine juror at Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards in Germany and a wine panellist for Wine Of The Month Club. Kumusha makes 8 wines, all with entrancing names and flavour notes. For a full rundown on each, check out their website. You can order online here.
Women in Wine
Women in Wine is South Africa’s first-ever black-owned wine-producing company controlled and managed entirely by women. The collective was founded in 2006 by 20 women with a common dream: to give women in the farming industry the chance to access opportunities. Women in Wine’s wines are sourced solely from farms that strictly comply with socio-economic legislation regarding ethical and environmental practices, employment conditions, skills development and training, and black economic empowerment. The Women in Wine label produces six wines: a Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, Pinotage Rose, and Chardonnay Chenin Blanc, which are exported to the US, China, Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Denmark, and are available locally in Makro stores in South Africa as well as online.
j9Wine
Janine Peterson founded j9Wine in 2016 after working for several big names in South Africa’s wine industry. She sold her car and used her life savings to launch j9Wine and can now celebrate her marvellous creations while inspiring women of colour to enter the winemaking community. j9Wine are investing in the future of women in South Africa by creating their #wineofcolorSA platform where female-owned wineries can now connect and collaborate. j9Wine also contribute a portion of all online sales to fight against Gender-Based Violence in South Africa. You can support their mission by buying and sipping on their all-naturally produced Merlot and Chenin Blanc, made with South Africa’s coastline grapes.
Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters is a winery founded by the 7 Brutus sisters who hail from the small fishing community, Paternoster, on South Africa’s West Coast. Their combined childhood dream of owning a farm spurred the sisters to approach the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. And in 2009, they were given 8.7 ha of land in Stellenbosch. In 2013, the Seven Sisters vineyards was established. The winery distributes to 42 states in the United States, with Walmart being their largest wholesaler. They cultivate a wide range of grapes, including Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cape Blend. You can visit Seven Sisters Vineyards for a tasting, wine pairings, and lunch, or purchase their creations online.
