Ntsiki Biyela

is a pioneer of the South African wine industry and one of the country's first black female winemakers. She was born in 1978 in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, and grew up in a rural village under simple conditions. 

 

Training and entry into the wine industry

Her journey into the wine industry began with a scholarship offered to her by South African Airways in 1998. This scholarship enabled her to study viticulture and cellar technology at Stellenbosch University, even though she had never tasted wine before. She successfully completed her studies and began her career at the Stellekaya wine estate in Stellenbosch, where she became South Africa's first black female winemaker.

Career and successes

At Stellekaya, Biyela quickly established herself as a talented winemaker and received numerous awards for her wines. Her style is characterised by her passion for high-quality red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux cuvées. In 2014, she founded her own wine label **Aslina Wines**, named after her grandmother, who was a great inspiration to her. Aslina Wines quickly gained international recognition and celebrated great success both in South Africa and worldwide.

Ntsiki Biyela is not only known for her wine production, but also for her social commitment and her role model function for young black women in South Africa and beyond. She advises aspiring winemakers and advocates for more diversity in the wine industry.

Awards and influence

Ntsiki Biyela has received numerous awards and accolades, including the title of South Africa's Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009, and her success and story have made her an important figure in the global wine world.

Ntsiki Biyela has not only broken barriers in the traditionally white and male-dominated wine industry, but has also paved the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps. Often hailed as a symbol of resistance, innovation and cultural diversity in winemaking, Ntsiki Biyela remains an influential figure in the South African and international wine scene.