Contents
The wine industry in the Cape is still in the hands of white people. But more and more black people are creating new types of wines.
In the cellar of the Saxenburg winery: it has existed for over 300 years, wine was produced by whites for whites. Now here is the black Lindile Ndzaba, 36 years old, from Kwaelitsha, one of the most dangerous townships in the Cape. With winemaker Brendan Smith, he tastes the red wine from the last harvest and discusses the different flavors.
Legend:
Lindile Ndzaba and Brendan Smith in the wine cellar.
SRF / Cristina Karrer
Ndzaba is not a winemaker, he does not own a vineyard, but wine is his passion. “I started as a dishwasher on this estate and slowly worked my way up and got to know the wine. Today I am self-employed and have my own wine brand, which the winery supports me with. You don’t need your own vineyard to get into the wine business.”
Legend:
The Saxenburg winery.
SRF / Cristina Karrer
Brendan Smith agrees. It’s time for new collaborations. It’s fun to develop new wine blends with Lindile Ndzaba. He is very cheeky and the result is surprising and of high quality. «The final product reflects Lindile, it is a wine with energy and passion.»
Wine industry in transition
Organizations such as the “Wine Arc” specifically promote diversity in the wine industry. In Stellenbosch, located above a vineyard – with a view of the township opposite, so as not to forget the reality in the midst of the idyll – thirteen wine brands from black winegrowers are offered in a stylish restaurant.
Legend:
With a view of the township, wine brands from black winegrowers are offered in Stellenbosch.
SRF / Cristina Karrer
Wendy Petersen is the driving force. She emphasizes that this is not a humanitarian effort, but to support people with a business mind who want to start a business and make money. Young entrepreneurs and winegrowers are helped with setting up the business, with marketing and distribution.
Legend:
Wendy Petersen (right) from the Wine Arc organization.
SRF / Cristina Karrer
Tastings in the township
Lindile Ndzaba has also benefited from this. He still lives in Kwaelitsha. In his garage there is a long table instead of a car. Here he conducts tastings. Tourists from abroad like to come, as do business people from the township.
Legend:
Tasting in Lindile Ndzaba’s garage. The white wine of his brand “Kwaelitsha’s finest Wines” met with approval in today’s round.
SRF / Cristina Karrer
It is important to Ndzaba to sensitize the local population to quality wine. “In the township, most people drink wine that’s so bad it’s mixed with Coca-Cola. The goal is not to enjoy, but to get drunk.”
Legend:
A bottle of white wine from Ndzaba’s brand “Kwaelitsha’s finest Wines”.
SRF / Cristina Karrer
The group nods in agreement. Sinazo Mtyene, a restaurant manager, says that black people in the townships haven’t understood wine at all for a long time. Hardly anyone visits the picturesque vineyards, because only a few could afford it. So it’s great that Lindile is bringing the Rebberg into the township, so to speak.
Young businessman believes in his vision. The middle class is getting bigger, the demand will increase. His brand is already famous through Kwaelitsha. 12,000 bottles will soon be exported to the USA. Because wines with personal stories that reflect the ethnic diversity of South Africa are in demand.