The Tembela Verdelho 2022: A Bottle Full of Sunshine

My name is Banele Vakele, and I want to introduce you to my wine, the Tembela Verdelho 2022. I chose to name it after my mother, Tembela, as a tribute to her. This wine is filled with faith, hope, and belief.

I recently returned from a trip to London where I had the pleasure of meeting potential buyers and conducting tastings. One of the tastings took place at the prestigious 67 Pall Mall, while the other was held at the renowned Tate Modern gallery as part of an exciting collaboration.

A Name that Represents More

When I was given the opportunity to contribute to the A World in Common exhibition at the Tate, I was thrilled. My task was to create a syrah and chenin with labels designed by the talented artist Billie Zangewa. These wines would be served at the exhibition opening and subsequent tastings. Zangewa’s artwork resonated deeply with me, as she explores themes that are personally significant.

Zangewa, who hails from Malawi and South Africa, meticulously handsews intricate silk tapestries that depict scenes from everyday life. Her pieces capture the beauty and essence of various subjects, from motherhood and family to the intimacy of shared meals and the strength of black femininity.

During the exhibition, I proudly presented my wines, named Tembela, to the guests. Tembela embodies the values of faith, hope, and belief, qualities that have always guided me. The name is a tribute to my late mother, who tragically lost her battle with cancer in 2020. It is a way for me to honor her memory and the impact she had on my life.

The labels on the bottles hold special significance as well. They depict two women gracefully carrying oak barrels on their heads, a traditional practice in the isiXhosa culture, which is rooted in my heritage. This imagery represents the strength, resilience, and determination that I inherited from my ancestors.

Creating these wines and collaborating with an esteemed artist like Zangewa has been a truly meaningful experience. I believe that art and wine have the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and inspire deep emotions. Through the medium of wine, I hope to share my story and connect with others on a profound level.

Hey there! Let me tell you an inspiring story about Vakele, a talented winemaker with a unique journey. You see, Vakele didn’t start out with wine on his mind. Growing up in the Eastern Cape and later moving to Khayelitsha in Cape Town, wine was nowhere in his world. But sometimes, life takes interesting turns.

A Dream Unfolds

Vakele found himself in Constantia, attending a high school on a scholarship. As he looked at the vines and the bustling vineyards, something ignited inside him. Wine, it seemed, held a promising future for him.

With passion and dedication, Vakele pursued his dreams. Continuing his studies at Elsenburg, he obtained a B.Agric degree in 2015. This milestone paved the way for an incredible opportunity that would shape his career.

Joining the Elite

Vakele was handpicked for the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme. This three-year internship is a stepping stone into the world of winemaking, where talented young individuals are guided by industry legends.

Hey there! Let me tell you about the amazing wines from Tembela. Their syrah grapes come from the Polkadraai Hills, which is known for producing awesome examples of this grape variety. And their verdelho grapes are sourced from a special vineyard in Stellenbosch.

Now, let’s talk about something interesting. You see, when I decided to study winemaking, it wasn’t an easy decision for my mom to accept. She had concerns about me working with alcohol and would have preferred if I had pursued engineering instead. But, despite her worries, she had faith in me and supported me on this adventurous journey. I’m really grateful for her love and encouragement.

Introducing the Tembela Verdelho 2022

When I take a sip of this wine, it fills my mind with visions of sunshine. It’s like the early morning kind, you know, when the sunlight filters through the trees and everything around you is bathed in a shimmering golden glow. The scent that wafts up is fresh and green, like zesty limes, figs, and the wild shrubs that grow in the fynbos. There’s also a hint of stone fruit, like juicy peaches and pears.

This wine was aged for 13 months in an old 600-litre barrel, which doesn’t add any flavors of its own but allows the natural high acidity of the grapes to shine through. When I take a sip, I can taste the pureness of the fruit, balanced perfectly by a tangy lime-green acidity. As the flavors unfold on my palate, the fruit relaxes and unwinds, leaving me with a luscious pineapple finish.

If you’re wondering what to pair this wine with, I have a few suggestions. It would be fantastic with grilled tuna, the smoky flavors complementing the fruitiness of the wine. It would also be amazing alongside some juicy pork chops or a creamy pasta dish. The possibilities are endless! So why wait? Get your bottle now and experience the magic for yourself.