Wine tasting in one of the world’s wine capitals with expert Ntsiki Biyela
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Ntsiki Biyela is the winemaker, director, and sole owner of Aslina Wines, a brand she founded in 2016 in honor of her late grandmother, Aslina. Raised in the rural village of Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsiki overcame (in her own words) humble beginnings to launch her winemaking career where she has gone on to achieve Woman Winemaker of the Year and recognition by Fortune Magazine and Food and Wine Magazine. We sat down with her to hear more about her work, wine, and the best nature escapes in Cape Town, South Africa.
What inspired you to start the Aslina Wines?
Starting a business has always been a dream of mine since childhood. While winemaking wasn’t the specific goal at first, once I found myself in the wine industry, it felt like a natural fit to combine my passion for entrepreneurship with my newfound love for wine. It was essential for Aslina to reflect African culture as it represents the diverse and rich heritage of the continent. Our logo, featuring a calabash with grapes emerging from the top, symbolizes this blend of tradition and innovation. The calabash, a traditional clay vessel used for drinking Umqombothi (African beer), signifies our roots and heritage, while the grapes represent my journey in Stellenbosch and the future of Aslina Wines. This imagery beautifully encapsulates the coming together of the old and the new.
You faced many challenges along the way as South Africa’s first Black woman winemaker. What is the landscape like today for female winemakers and female entrepreneurs in South Africa?
The landscape is steadily improving, with more female winemakers and entrepreneurs emerging across South Africa. While challenges persist and people may still face different behaviours in various encounters, the overall environment is becoming more supportive. There are now more role models to look up to and more resources and funding opportunities available. This support network helps entrepreneurs gain the information and tools they need to stay ahead of the game.
I’d also love to highlight the work of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), where I serve on the board. PYDA exists to support young, talented South Africans from under-resourced areas, helping them achieve personal growth and meaningful economic opportunities. By supporting the youth through PYDA, we’re investing in the future of South Africa’s wine and tourism industries, creating a positive impact on our community.
Do you have a personal favorite wine from your collection, and what local South African dishes would you recommend pairing it with?
My personal favorite is Umsasane, a Bordeaux-style blend named after the umbrella tree and my grandmother’s nickname. This wine pairs beautifully with traditional South African dishes like oxtail potjie and steam bread. Umsasane is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Petit Verdot. It offers a complex aroma of black cherry, herbs, apricot jam, and lavender. On the palate, you’ll find dark fruits, green bell pepper, and vanilla, making it a versatile choice for red meat dishes. While it’s delightful now, it also has the potential to age gracefully, enhancing its complexity.
Where do you recommend travelers visit in Cape Town for wine tastings?
Culture Wine Bar: Located in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD, the gorgeous Culture Wine Bar offers a curated selection of fine wines from the country’s most respected names, cult classics, natural wines, and special imports from across the globe, including Aslina, of course. The atmosphere is great, especially when they have live entertainment, and they offer the most delicious small snack foods to complement the wine.
The Wine Arc: The Wine Arc is a brand home for black-owned wine brands and entrepreneurs and a symbol of South Africa’s wine industry transformation. It also serves as a creative innovation hub for entrepreneurs and young winemakers. The selection of wines here is amazing, and the view of Stellenbosch from their deck is breathtaking. Supporting black-owned entrepreneurs like myself, The Wine Arc is doing incredible work in the industry.
Tell us your 3 favorite places to visit in Cape Town.
Helderberg Nature Reserve: I love hiking in the Helderberg mountains and try to go every second weekend. It’s great for mental health and offers stunning views of the surrounding areas.
The Cederberg: Escaping to the Cederberg is amazing for switching off, with no connection or network. There are ample hiking opportunities, making it perfect for reconnecting with nature.
The West Coast, Langebaan: Anything by the ocean is calming for me, and Langebaan on the West Coast is no exception. It offers the best and freshest seafood you can imagine.
