Meet trailblazers of Mzansi’s black-owned wine industry at WineX
Get ready for a wine experience like no other at Standard Bank WineX 2024. From 30 October to 1 November at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, twelve extraordinary black-owned wine brands are set to take centre stage, showcasing their passion, innovation, and rich cultural heritage.
In this article, we meet these remarkable entrepreneurs and explore their stunning creations that reflect the spirit of South Africa.
These South African wine entrepreneurs are dedicated to quality, community empowerment, and cultural heritage. They share how they plan to engage visitors through tastings, interactive experiences, and competitions to foster connections and brand loyalty at the upcoming Standard Bank WineX.
Redamancy Vineyards: A love story uncorked
Redamancy Vineyards based in Franschhoek was born from a love story between Marc van Uytvanck and Antoinette Rapitsi.
During the pandemic, the couple deepened their passion for wine, leading them to create exceptional chardonnay from cooler climates and Stellenbosch cabernet sauvignon from premium, sustainably farmed grapes.
“Our minimalist approach to winemaking allows nature’s quality to shine through. Since our first vintage, we’ve earned prestigious awards like 4.5 Platter stars and Double Gold from Gilbert & Gaillard,” says Antoinette.
Now, they are expanding internationally, with export deals in Belgium and Denmark. Their focus is on sustainability, from using lightweight bottles to exploring environmentally friendly materials.
“As we grow, our goal remains simple: bring our wines to more people, build lasting relationships, and share the spirit of ‘redamancy’ – perfect, requited love.”
Three Quarters: Every sip tells a story
Three Quarters, based in Kraaifontein is inspired by the brand owner and winemaker Mahalia Kotjane’s birth order: Mahalia is the third pregnancy, yet the fourth child.
This also ties into her winemaking philosophy of fine wine by three key elements: character, quality, and personality.
“Our boutique brand focuses on Rhone varietals, primarily syrah from Stellenbosch, capturing moments that elevate ordinary gatherings into extraordinary memories,” says Kotjane.
For them, wine is about love, friendship, and the shared experiences that make life special.
“We’re thrilled to showcase Three Quarters at the 2024 Standard Bank WineX, our first exhibition. This platform will help us build brand visibility, engage new customers, and strengthen relationships with existing ones,” explains Kotjane.
They aim to meet their sales target, grow their social media following, and build a loyal customer base who share their passion for wine and life’s defining moments.
PaardenKloof Estate: In harmony with the earth
PaardenKloof Estate is a 1430-hectare WWF Conservation Champion farm, producing sustainable wines in a remote valley at the foothills of the Babilonstoring Mountain Nature Reserve, Walker Bay, Bot River.
According to brand owner Daphne Neethling, “Our 100% black-owned estate produces site-specific, cool climate single varietal wines, hand-crafted from vineyards planted in 2003.”
With soils ranging from ancient shale to granite, their wines are distinguished by their intense minerality and fynbos aromas.
“We believe 80% of the winemaking process happens in the vineyard, and we honour nature and time by allowing our wines to develop their unique character during maturation,” she says.
As a biodiversity champion, they protect the endemic fynbos biome, including rare species, and their sustainable practices have earned WIETA A-level and IPW accreditation.
“We invite wine lovers to ‘Be captivated by nature’ with every glass, and we look forward to connecting with new and existing clients to increase brand awareness and engagement.”
Zulu Girl Wines: Sipping on sisterhood
Zulu Girl Wines based in Pretoria was born out of a deep friendship between their founders, Sandy Gumede and Pam Biyela, whose bond has grown into a sisterhood and a thriving business partnership. Both women come from humble beginnings and share a passion for celebrating African heritage through food, wine, and storytelling.
“Our vision is to craft wines that tell a story of resilience, culture, and empowerment, rooted in South African traditions. Each bottle reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity, merging the richness of Zulu culture with the art of winemaking,” explains Biyela.
The two take pride in offering premium wines that not only appeal to seasoned wine lovers but also introduce new enthusiasts to a modern, African wine experience. Empowering young women in the wine industry is central to their mission.
“We’re thrilled to showcase Zulu Girl Wines at Standard Bank WineX, a prestigious opportunity to share our passion with a broader audience.
“Our goals include increasing brand visibility, building industry connections, and gathering customer feedback. This event marks an exciting step toward expanding our reach, both locally and internationally, while celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bottle,” shares Biyela.
Zoetendal Vineyards: A taste of Agulhas
Zoetendal Vineyards is deeply rooted in the Agulhas Wine Region, the southernmost wine-producing area in Africa, and holds its roots firmly as one of the pioneering farms in the region.
According to Denzel Swarts, the sales and marketing executive, as one of the pioneering farms in the region, they craft wines that reflect the unique coastal terroir of the Agulhas Plain, known for its cool breezes and diverse soils.
“This gives our wines their distinctive freshness and minerality,” he says.
At Zoetendal, they prioritise quality, sustainability, and authenticity, allowing the land to speak through their wines. Their winemaking philosophy is closely aligned with their commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.
“We’re thrilled to showcase our wines at this upcoming event, offering a fantastic opportunity to engage with wine lovers, buyers, and industry professionals.
“Our key goals are to boost brand visibility, increase sales, and build meaningful connections. Post-event, we’ll be measuring success by tracking leads, sales, and customer engagement, aiming for growth in customer acquisition and brand awareness,” Swarts says.
Moedi Wines: Rooted in social change
At Moedi, their journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to social impact, particularly in empowering women in the agricultural sector. Based in Cape Town, they see their wines not just as products, but as vessels for meaningful conversations and change.
Brand ambassador Malaika Mditshwa says they collaborate with male and female farmers in North West, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions valued.
“As a subsidiary of Bokamoso Foods Pty Ltd, we proudly support initiatives like Bee Loved Honey and our #1millionhives campaign, which focuses on skills development, training, and fostering entrepreneurship in rural communities,” she says.
Their philosophy is rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability, and they believe that everyone deserves a brighter future regardless of their background. Sourced from the Swartland region, their wines are crafted to be fresh, easy-drinking, and a vehicle for meaningful conversations about social issues.
“We’re excited for our first appearance at WineX 2024, where we aim to attract distributors, build brand visibility, and establish local distribution channels.
“Tracking the number of agreements and sales trends post-event will help us gauge success and solidify Moedi’s local presence while continuing our global expansion,” Mditshwa expresses.
Luc-mo Wines: A rich royal heritage
Cultural heritage is at the backbone of Luc-mo Wines and this is the formation of their flagship African Royals wine.
By aligning different wine varietals from the Cape wine lands with the unique characters of African royals, they bring authentic African stories to life, working closely with the custodians of our culture.
“Through Royal Tourism by Luc Mo Wines™, customers can enjoy these wines at the very kingdoms they originate from, offering a real-time experience of our rich heritage,” says brand owner, Lucia Motloung.
She is thrilled to participate in WineX 2024, where she aims to engage with Gauteng customers and beyond, increase visibility, and strengthen brand integrity.
“As a Gauteng-based wine brand with showrooms in Midrand and Muldersdrift, we are excited to promote our tasting room experiences and connect with key buyers. Introducing our African Royals wines to a broader audience is an opportunity we eagerly look forward to,” Montloung says.
Francis Wines: Rugby meets winemaking
Francis Wines is a South African wine brand founded by Burton Francis, a former professional rugby union player. The brand’s story is deeply rooted in Burton’s journey, from his childhood in Paarl to his rugby career in France, where he discovered his passion for wine, particularly pinot Noir and chardonnay.
Francis’s love affair with wine began while playing rugby in France. He eventually pursued an MBA in wine and spirits business at the prestigious Burgundy School of Business.
“This experience inspired me to create wines that reflect my personal story and deep connection to the land,” shares Francis.
“Our wines are crafted with elegance and complexity, highlighting the unique terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge.”
They are excited to introduce their latest vintages at WineX 2024, including their Chardonnay 2022 and Pinot Noir 2022.
“This event is the perfect platform for us to connect with industry professionals, wine lovers, and potential partners. At WineX, we aim to boost brand visibility, forge key relationships, and gather valuable feedback to refine our offerings,” Francis says.
He sees it as an opportunity to share their passion and commitment to quality with a broader audience while generating leads and building lasting connections.
Siwela Wines: Empowering women, one bottle at a time
Siwela Wines based in Hartbeespoort, is built on passion, perseverance, and celebrating South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage, says Siwela Masoga, the founder of Siwela Wines.
“Our mission is to create high-quality, accessible wines that cater to diverse tastes while empowering women, particularly black women, in the South African wine industry,” Masoga shares.
According to her, they are committed to sustainable practices and promoting inclusivity through their brand.
“At WineX, we’re excited to introduce Siwela Wines to a broader audience, showcase our unique range, and engage meaningfully with wine lovers and professionals. Our goal is to boost visibility, drive sales, and create memorable tasting experiences for attendees,” Masoga says.
Following the event, Siwela Wines plans to assess success by tracking visitor engagement, sales, and feedback.
“We’ll be monitoring the number of visitors to our stand, sales generated, and the overall response to our wines. It’s an opportunity to build lasting relationships with customers and partners while sharing the story behind Siwela Wines.”
Compagniesdrift: Where integrity meets innovation
At Compagniesdrift, honesty, integrity, and dedication are central to their values. These drive their passion for people and business success, says managing director Ilse Ruthford.
“Starting with just four wine producers, we’ve grown to include 80, storing 2.5 million bottles in our facility, which offers local producers a cost-effective alternative to their own facilities,” Ruthford says.
Compagniesdrift Wines, launched in May 2015 by farmworkers connected to esteemed Stellenbosch properties, reflects their commitment to quality.
“We care deeply for our workers, investing in their personal and career growth through training and development programmes. Inspired by my own experience with breast cancer, we dedicate a percentage of our chardonnay pinot noir sales to breast health awareness among our female staff,” says Ruthford.
At WineX, Ruthford aims to elevate Compagniesdrift’s profile, generate leads, and engage meaningfully with attendees. Post-event, the focus will be on measuring website traffic, social media engagement, and customer feedback to enhance brand loyalty.
Bayede!: Wines fit for a king
Bayede! Wines focuses on promoting Zulu culture and heritage through its wines. Founded by entrepreneur Antoinette Vermooten, the brand has the endorsement of King Goodwill Zwelithini, the late king of the Zulu nation. The name “Bayede!” translates to “Hail the King!” in Zulu, reflecting its cultural roots.
CEO Ansie Truter emphasises the brand’s commitment to empowering women in rural areas, ensuring a legacy of prosperity and job creation for generations. Each bottle features beadwork that showcases the craftsmanship of KwaZulu-Natal’s rural women.
“At WineX Johannesburg, Bayede! Wines look forward to showcasing their offerings and engaging visitors through tastings, presentations, and interactive experiences.
“Attendees can sample a selection of the best wines, gain insights into the winemaking process, and learn about food pairings. Interactive sessions will cover wine appreciation, while a winemaker representative will connect with enthusiasts,” explains Truter.
Additionally, they will host a lucky draw competition at their booth to further enhance visitor interaction and excitement.
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