African Women Making Their Mark as wine-makers in Europe

Posted on :Tuesday , 24th October 2017

South Africa’s Pheli Wines is revolutionizing the wine industry in Africa today.

Traditionally dominated by white men across Cape Town, the wine industry is now changing for the better.

Pheli Wines was founded in 2013 by Moyahabo Anna Seemola. This name was drawn from the Zulu word ‘Phelindaba’ which translates to ‘end of story’. Contrary to this, it is anything but the end for Pheli.

Since its inception in 2013, Pheli Wines has grown exponentially in both sizes and in stature. Pheli provides a wide array of wines headlined by the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2014 Syrah. Both selections have found a special place for themselves on wine racks in Africa and abroad, scooping several accolades on the European circuit along the way.

Seemola’s partner in the venture Pinkie Bapela is also buzzing from the young winery’s latest win at an awards function in Spain.

Speaking about the local wine industry she was quoted saying “There are few black women in wine here,”while reflecting on a history of fine wines being synonymous with affluence and the white man.

Bapela believes that women in wine have to work three times as hard as men to be a success in the industry. Bapela also spoke about how Pheli Wines faced more challenges due to its geography. Being inland they didn’t receive as much exposure as their counterparts in coastal Cape Town.

Ricky Mdalam who has been on the scene for over 15 years is a connoisseur of fine wines and has a vested interest in Pheli wines, being one of their biggest investors.

Mdalam’s thoughts on the matter remain more grounded. While he considers the idea of a complete transformation at this point premature, he is encouraged by the increasing participation and interest of black youth and women in the art of wine making.

“Women are coming into this industry enforce, they’re determined, they’re strong, but more than that, they’re incredibly talented,” says Rose Jordaan, another independent woman wine entrepreneur.

There are many others like Pheli Wines making an impact on the global stage today.

The young generation of women wine-makers has re-invigorated the industry bringing with them fresh views and ideas, breaking age-old stereotypes like ‘Pale, Male and Stale’ and making them a thing of a time gone by.

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