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SA Chamber showcases Black and Women-owned South African wine brands in London
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 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.
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 exceptional South African wine. Fabulous wines from Brothers in Vines, McFarlane Wines, Moedi Wines, Three Quarters and House of Hlela Royal Wines were showcased at the tasting.
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.
Gavin Murphy from K & L Wines and Spirits was especially impressed with Brothers in Vine and the super impressive Moedi Wines. I challenge anyone to find black winemakers making wines of this quality anywhere in the world.
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 the rising stars in South Africa's viticulture scene.
According to research group Sawis, 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 around 82 black-owned wine brands changing that picture.