Mama Afrika Wine (MAW) – the brainchild of Mpelo Sikhwatha – is a South African registered wine producer that operates in the South African wine industry through a partnership with a wine farm. Located in the Robertson Wine Valley, they grow, harvest, produce and bottle their wines.
The team at MAW is committed to developing long-term relationships with their retailers and consumers – both local and abroad. “Our goal is to build a respectable, strong and sustainable proudly South African brand that consumers can easily relate to in the spirit of embracing togetherness, pride and passion,” said Sikhwatha. “Our portfolio offers a variety of excellent wine cultivars to be enjoyed by diverse markets.”
They currently have two premium offerings:
2020 Malbec – on the palate you’ll taste notes of berry fruits, complemented by soft tannins. The impression is a well-integrated and lingering Malbec, with pronounced flavours of berry fruits, and cassis nuances.
2020 Chardonnay – on the palate you’ll taste apple and pineapple, complemented by hints of blossoms, with a well-rounded finish of nuttiness.
“With the market filled with young and experienced winemakers who are open-minded and driven, the opportunities are indeed endless.”
They are, however, expanding their offering to include Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir later in the year.
Commenting on whether people of colour are represented enough in the wine industry, Sikhwatha said that there is still a long road ahead. “A lot still needs to be done to increase representation … I believe the opportunities are there to be seized. It’s not an easy industry to enter, considering the large number of commercial and boutique role players.”
Traditionally, he said, entry into the market was reserved for individuals or families who own farm land with vineyards. “However, over time this has changed due to the transformation agenda in the country. With the market filled with young and experienced winemakers who are open-minded and driven, the opportunities are indeed endless.”
His advice for aspiring winemakers of colour is: “Lifestyle is the name of the game and wine has become a lifestyle, [so] tap into that space. Be innovative and explore the market’s needs.”
Quick-fire Q&A
What is your favourite varietal, and why?
I’m in spring/summer mode already. A slightly wooded Chardonnay, to enjoy the balance between oak and acidity with excellent tropical fruits aromas, complemented by classy taste of butter and vanilla.
If you could have the ultimate food-and-wine pairing, what would that be?
Herb-crusted beef fillet, picked wild mushroom, potato and leek purée, charred onion paired with Malbec reduction. Pair this great meal with our signature Mama Afrika Malbec. In one of our events that we hosted, this was on the menu. It was a “wow” factor! I really enjoyed it.
If you could sit down for a wine tasting with anyone – alive or no longer with us – who would that be, and why?
It would certainly be my dad. Surprisingly, he didn’t indulge in the Tears of Victoria … hahahahahaha! I missed out as he left me at a very young age. My mother tells me I take after him. It would be a great conversation, reminiscing about the little time we had and possibly getting pointers for the future. He would be a proud dad if he had to be alive today.