10 South African Entrepreneurs In The Wine Industry
10 South African Entrepreneurs In The Wine Industry. The wine industry in South Africa is a vibrant and integral part of the country’s economy and cultural heritage. With a history dating back to the 17th century, the industry has evolved significantly, now producing some of the world’s most renowned wines. South Africa is home to diverse wine regions, including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and the Swartland, each offering unique terroirs and microclimates that contribute to a wide range of wine styles. These wine entrepreneurs are not only contributing to the diversity and richness of the South African wine industry but also playing a vital role in empowering local communities and promoting inclusive growth.
Ntsiki Biyela
Ntsiki Biyela is South Africa’s first Black female winemaker and the founder of Aslina Wines. The brand is known for its high-quality wines that reflect Ntsiki’s vision and commitment to excellence, producing varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Nondumiso Pikashe
Nondumiso Pikashe founded Ses’fikile Wines with a focus on producing wines that celebrate African heritage and culture. The brand offers a range of wines that include Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and other varietals, emphasizing quality and authenticity.
Antoinette Vermooten
Founder of Bayede Royal Wines, a pioneer in creating support for women in rural areas. Antoinette’s wine journey began by meeting His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini on a wine farm. That meeting led to the creation of a wine brand that, at its core, pushes for support and job creation.
Denise Stubbs
Thokozani Wines, founded by Denise Stubbs, is a collaborative venture that includes workers as shareholders. The brand produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé, focusing on community upliftment and high-quality production. The purpose of Thokozani is to achieve sustainable economic empowerment and to make a discernible difference in the lives of the people who dedicate themselves to the company.
The Rangaka Family
M’hudi Wines, founded by The Rangaka Family, is a family-owned brand that highlights the rich heritage of its founders. The winery produces a range of wines, including Pinotage, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc, aiming to create a sustainable and inclusive wine industry.
Siwela Sweetness Masoga
Siwela Wines, founded by Siwela Sweetness Masoga, focuses on creating wines that embody elegance and sophistication. The brand offers a variety of wines, including Merlot, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, striving to represent South African excellence.
Willem Rossouw
Steller Organics was founded in 2000 by the Rossouw brothers when they set up a joint venture with local farmers, today 26% of the company’s shares are owned by its workers and no less than 13 farms have joined the scheme. Stellar Organics, is committed to producing organic and fair trade wines. The brand focuses on sustainable farming practices and offers a wide range of organic wines that cater to health-conscious consumers.
Malcolm Green and Ricardo Green
Malcolm Green, who together with his son, Ricardo, owns La RicMal Wines. The business greatly benefits from its partnership with the Shoprite Group, which sees it supplying to the Group’s supermarkets across Africa. The brand emphasizes quality and innovation in its wine production. The brand offers a selection of red and white wines, aiming to make a mark in the competitive South African wine industry.
Dr. Makaziwe Mandela
The House of Mandela was founded in 2010 by Dr. Makaziwe Mandela and her daughter, Tukwini Mandela. House of Mandela Wines pays tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The brand produces a range of wines that celebrate South African culture and heritage, including varietals like Shiraz and Chenin Blanc.
Thapelo Mokoena
Bosman Family Vineyards, together with South African actor/filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena are the founders of Nero Wine, a pioneering wine brand and the first and only South African wine to be made from the Sicilian variety Nero d’Avola. Following over a decade of research and development, owner and managing director Petrus Bosman travelled to Sicily in 2004, bringing back cuttings of Nero d’Avola to Wellington.
