The Wine Arc

The Wine Arc is a fantastic initiative by the Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU). It is the first home for BIPOC wine brands, most of which are female. These producers make wine all over the Western Cape and are a driving force for diversity and inclusion. Some highlights from the list: Aslina Wines, created by Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first black female winemaker. Tesselaarsdal, founded by Berene Sauls. She started as a nanny with the Hamilton Russell family in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, but then became a full-time vineyard and cellar assistant. Today, she makes her own wines at the Hamilton Russell winery. Carmen Stevens Wines, established in 2011, is the first black-owned winery in South Africa. Carmen Stevens herself is a firecracker of a winemaker and multiple wine award winner. A long table or booth is great for something romantic or mixing it up with other patrons!