Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 7 July 2015 | Seite 7

Since launching in 2010, the duo has successfully

brand. We cannot deny the fantastic exposure it

aligned the brand with its namesake, who gave them

generates and if it helps bolster the local industry,

his seal of approval on his 95th birthday. From the

then that surely cannot be a bad thing either.”

Thembu Collection wine label inspired by the dashiki
shirt print that Mandela was most often pictured

Not a profit-driven operation in the slightest, the

wearing to the dotted label on the sparkling wine that

wine brand supports the small farmer in a large way

mirrors the decorative make-up worn by brides in his

by offering a premium of the profits to the House

culture, every bottle is drenched with symbolism.

of Mandela Family Foundation (HoMFF) as well as
the Africa Rising Foundation, who help sponsor a
selected number of students to study winemaking

projects with a soul and as a result, there is no

and viticulture. “Local consumers will be happy

sprawling wine farm with large overheads and

to know that, for every Fair Trade labelled bottle

unsustainable

are

they buy, 50 cents goes back to the farm workers,”

produced in an environmentally sensitive and

concludes Tukwini. There is so much more to this

ethically responsible manner in the world’s most

brand than just the juice in the bottle. Not only does

beautiful, bio diverse winelands at farms such as

it celebrate the past and look ahead to the future but

Fariview, Citusdale and Du Toitskloof, which all mirror

it also opens the sector to a whole new demographic.

aspirations.

Instead

wines

Mandela’s values of openness, warmth and family
orientation. Under the careful guidance of winemaker

www.houseofmandela.com

Erlank Eramus, House of Mandela is now producing a

[e-mail].

total of 16 different wines that are sold successfully
to 13 overseas counties, including London, America,
Canada and Chile and includes is a Fair Trade range
called the Thembu Collection. Inspired by the Thembu
people, who had a deep appreciation of nature and
their land, the six varietals encompass three reds
(Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage) and are
easy to drink and flavoursome. For the cynical who
suggest that the ladies are simply capitalising on the
advantages of the Mandela brand, Tukwini is quick to
respond. “There is no better brand than the Mandela

WIN BIG WITH ESTATE LIVING
Fancy a taste of Mandela Wine? We have a
selection of wines to give away to one lucky
reader. To be in with a chance simply Like
the Estate Living Facebook page and join
our subscriber list. Competition closes on
20.08.2015. Winner will be randomly selected
and announced in the next issue. T&C apply.

7

THE VINES

The ladies are passionate about contributing to