by Antony Shaw
An evening celebrating innovation, inclusion and excellence within South Africa’s dynamic wine industry recently brought together a lively crowd in the heart of the ‘Square Mile’ financial district of the capital.
The gathering on 7 November, held at law firm Laytons, shone a spotlight on the talented Black and Women-Owned producers who are transforming both their communities and the global perception of South African wine. Despite apartheid ending over three decades ago, the wine industry is still dominated by white-owned wineries. According to research group Sawis (www.sawis.co.za) black-owned brands account for less than 1% of wine sales per litre in South Africa, even though black South Africans make up over 80% of the population. There are now, however, around 82 black-owned wine brands and they are being joined by a talented cohort of black female wine makers who are bringing new ideas and energy to the industry. The event hosted by Perold Wine Cellar, in collaboration with the South African Chamber of Commerce UK, Wines of South Africa (WOSA), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), aimed to showcase some of these rising stars in SA’s viticulture.
The evening was introduced by Svend Littauer, CEO SA Chamber, who praised the ‘fantastic turnout’ and hailed the event as: “A special celebration of innovation, inclusion and most of all exceptional South African wine. We are not just raising our glasses but we are raising the bar for collaboration and community.”
Gerhard Perold, who selected the wines, was keen to remind people how wines were impacting people back in his homeland. “What I’m trying to do with these brands is give them the chance to showcase what they have,” said Gerhard, “They are giving back to their local economies and communities – and helping build their future.”
Fabulous wines from Brothers in Vines, McFarlane Wines, Moedi Wines, Three Quarters and House of Hlela Royal Wines were showcased at the tasting. “We are looking at the emergence and influence of black women wine makers in South Africa” explained Gavin Murphy from K & L Wines and Spirits, “We have come along to evaluate the wines with the possibility of importing.” Gavin has been especially impressed at the wealth of experience among many of the young black winemakers and the mature style of their wines: “I challenge anyone to find black winemakers making wines of this quality anywhere in the world!” He was especially impressed with Brothers in Vine and the ‘super impressive’ Moedi Wines.
Lesego Serolong Holzapfel, founder of Moedi Wines, is keen to create sustainable rural jobs through viticulture while also making wine ‘cool’ through great visual branding. “My business is export focused. Market access is always a challenge. I want to see Africa doing more business with the rest of the world,” said Lesego, “And I want to see women at the forefront, owning their own brands and telling their own stories. As the owner of Moedi Wines I get the chance to share a piece of South Africa with the world.”
