If you’ve never heard of Banele Vakele or Tembela Wines, listen to this episode. He’s such a charismatic guy, with a smile that stretches from ear to ear, and a soulful chuckle. Tembela Wines is the newest South African producer to join the Vine Street Imports portfolio. He makes a Chenin Blanc and a Syrah, sourced from regions you wouldn’t necessarily expect (Durbanville for the Chenin, an area better known for Sauvignon Blanc, and a nice yin-yang mix for the Syrah from Constantia and the Swartland).
In the words of wine critic Tim Atkin, “Banele Vakele is an exciting young winemaker who is rapidly making a name for himself.”
Wine critic Neal Martin names Banele as one of the many winemakers who are “breaking down barriers, inspiring others and eroding the stigma that wine is supposedly made for one sector of society and not another.”
In this episode you’ll hear all about Banele’s journey to becoming a winemaker, from his humble upbringings in Khayelitsha to stints in Burgundy, Oregon, and beyond. You’ll hear him wax poetic about Natasha Williams of Lelie van Saron, Adi Badenhorst of A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines, Duncan Savage of Savage Wines, and the Verdelho vineyard that holds special meaning for him. And most importantly, you’ll hear why Banele named his brand after his late mother, Tembela.
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music!