Summary
Ntsiki Biyela’s Journey
Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker, opens up about her experiences in the winemaking industry and her journey to crafting award-winning wines. She reflects on her past and the stereotype-breaking path she has carved.
“I’ve made wine all over the world. I’ve consulted and won awards. I believe I’m just an iconic winemaker now,” Biyela expresses, displaying a genuine passion for her craft during our conversation. Seated in Somerset West, she collaborates with her rich heritage from Mahlabatini in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Biyela recalls how she won a bursary in viticulture and oenology, which led her to travel over 400 miles to study winemaking in Stellenbosch, the country’s unofficial grape capital. She reflects on the opportunity given to her, as her journey began not out of an initial desire for winemaking but rather a quest for education influenced by rejection in other fields of study.
“It was meant to be. This was supposed to be me,” she states, showing how destiny played a role in her remarkable career.
Establishment of Aslina Wines
After graduating, Biyela commenced her career at a boutique winery named Stellekaya in 2004, where she quickly gained recognition and won her first award in 2006. By overcoming notable biases in the industry, Biyela was honored as Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009.
In 2016, she founded her own brand, Aslina Wines, a name inspired by her grandmother. The branding symbolizes the blend of Zulu culture and traditional winemaking knowledge. Biyela shares, “The label features the calabash, a traditional clay drinking vessel, transformed with grapes, symbolizing our unique wines.”
Diversifying Accessibility in the South African Wine World
Biyela’s experience encompasses global regions like Bordeaux, France and Tuscany, Italy, yet her heart remains steadfastly anchored in making a positive impact within South Africa.
“The 20-year-old me would be amazed and in awe of this success never imagined,” she reflects. The recognition and acknowledgment of Black winemakers have been hard-fought, and Biyela is committed to making wine more accessible to a broader audience.
Through her unique approach to wine tasting, she encourages inclusivity. Instead of adhering strictly to traditional pairings largely driven by European norms, Biyela emphasizes pairing wines with dishes familiar to her heritage. She intertwines the enjoyment of home-cooked meals with the rich flavors of wine, thereby promoting broader engagement.
She has also been awarded the Diversity and Transformation Award and contributes significantly to initiatives like the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, helping to foster future generations in the wine industry.
An African Icon
Aslina Wines boasts a selection of five different variants, with Umsasane standing out as the most emblematic. The Zulu name translates to ‘the acacia tree’, echoing her heritage and love for her grandmother.
Biyela describes Umsasane as a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, highlighting the complexity and emotional resonance that each bottle carries. She cherishes the experience of savoring wine, equating it to a sacred ceremony filled with respect and intention.
The quality and authenticity of her wines stem from respect for nature; she states, “I always allow nature to display itself. Just guide the wines and let nature do the rest.”
Biyela’s commitment to creating wines that tell a story and resonate with her personal journey and tastes exemplifies the essence of true craftsmanship. “When I make wine, I make a wine for myself to enjoy. If I love it, I believe others will too,” she declares, embodying the integrity that distinguishes her artistry.
Every day, 19 million glasses of South African wine are consumed globally, and each sip contributes to the growing legacy of South Africa’s rich viticulture. Biyela’s work, passion, and dedication undoubtedly ensure that her wines will be celebrated and enjoyed for generations to come.
